Oregon reports 162 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 459, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 162 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 26,713. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (14), Coos (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (2), Hood River (1), Jackson (6), Lane (15), Lincoln (1), Linn (4), Malheur (9), Marion (36), Multnomah (34), Polk (6), Umatilla (6), Wasco (1), and Washington (25).

Oregon’s 459th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on August 25 and died on August 26 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Labor Day Reminder

With Labor Day weekend coming up, OHA reminds Oregonians that the safest way to celebrate is to avoid groups and gatherings, to stay home as much as possible, and to follow face covering guidance if outside the home.

Past holiday weekends have led to outbreaks in Oregon among people celebrating in unsafe ways and led to an uptick in cases. With cases falling, it’s more important than ever for Oregonians to modify or cancel holiday weekend gatherings and celebrate in safe ways so our state can continue to make progress against COVID-19.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

BEND, OR -- Oregon State University has received a grant from the Oregon Health Authority to conduct weekly sewer sample tests in Bend for the next 2-and a half years. O-S-U Professor Tyler Radniecki led the research team that tested sewers in late May and early June that didn’t turn up much evidence of COVID-19. However he says testing has continued since mid-July and is showing a consistent increase in evidence of the virus in Bend. Radniecki says they will also test the wastewater at OSU-Cascades as well.

CENTRAL OREGON -- Deschutes County has been seeing an increase in speeding on Highway 97. Sheriff Shane Nelson says recently his department has done patrols in the Highway 97 area with a primary focus on speeders and unsafe drivers. He asks the community to plan their trip ahead to avoid feeling the need to speed. Sheriff Nelson also states he’s been seeing an increase in tourists regardless of COVID-19 and distancing regulations. He says the calls of service responding to the noncompliant have given them an uptick in business.

BEND, OR -- Many people are having a difficult time dealing with the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic…it’s happening not just here, but across the state and nation. The Head of Deschutes County Behavioral health Janice Garceau (gar-so) tells KBND there’s been an uptick in 9-1-1 calls about mental health concerns. Garceau says when people reach out for help it’s for serious reasons including depression, thoughts of self harm and despondency. She says another concern is that victims of child abuse and/or domestic violence may be struggling not only with the virus but also the violence in their lives.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- A fatality occurred Saturday at Prineville Airport when a plane crashed shortly after takeoff. Twenty-seven year old Jackson Edwards of Redmond was operating a homemade aircraft according to witnesses on scene he had just taken off and crashed within about 180 yards of the runway.  Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene.  At this time it appears mechanical failure played a role in the crash. 

Oregon reports 301 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 9 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed nine more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 447, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 301 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 26,054.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (1), Clackamas (27), Coos (4), Deschutes (7), Douglas (3), Jackson (14), Jefferson (3), Josephine (1), Klamath (4), Lane (10), Lincoln (4), Linn (5), Malheur (37), Marion (43), Morrow (9), Multnomah (72), Polk (9), Umatilla (20), Union (2), Washington (20), and Yamhill (5).

Oregon’s 439^th COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on Aug. 20 and died on Aug. 27, at Salem Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 440^th COVID-19 death is a 50-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on June 4 and died on Aug. 23. More information about place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 441^st COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on Aug. 9 and died on Aug. 23, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington. The presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 442^nd COVID-19 death is a 54-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on Aug. 23 and died on Aug. 26, at St. Anthony Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 443^rd COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old man in Polk County who tested positive on Aug. 11 and died on Aug. 25, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 444^th COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old woman in Malheur County who died on Aug. 1. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death.

Oregon’s 445^th COVID-19 death is a 78-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 26 and died on Aug. 15, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 446^th COVID-19 death is a 97-year-old woman in Malheur County who tested positive on Aug. 11 and died on Aug. 13, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 447^th COVID-19 death is a 29-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Aug. 22 and died on Aug. 22, at OHSU Hospital. He did not have underlying conditions.

Workplace Outbreak reported

An outbreak of 25 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Milgard Windows and Doors in Washington County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee.

The outbreak investigation started on Aug. 21, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure. State and county public health officials are working with the company to address the outbreak and protect the health of workers.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Governor Kate Brown Announces Updates to the County Watch List

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced that two counties—Hood River and Multnomah—have succeeded in reducing the spread of COVID-19 sufficiently enough to be removed from the County Watch List. No counties have been added this week. This brings the total number of counties on the Watch List to six.

“We continue to see counties working diligently to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in their communities—to the point where two more counties now come off the Watch List. I want to applaud county officials and community members in Hood River and Multnomah Counties for their efforts in curbing community spread of COVID-19," said Governor Brown.

Counties are placed on the Watch List when COVID-19 is spreading quickly and public health officials cannot trace that spread to specific sources—creating a potentially dangerous dynamic. Specific markers of this rapid community spread include when there is a sporadic case rate of 50 or more per 100,000 people in the last two weeks and the county has had more than five sporadic cases in the last two weeks (sporadic cases are those that cannot be traced to a source; they indicate community spread). Counties remain on the Watch List for a minimum of three weeks and until their sporadic case rates drop below these thresholds.

The County Watch List allows the state to prioritize resources and assistance to counties that are seeing the broadest spread of COVID-19. When a county is placed on the Watch List, the Oregon Health Authority increases monitoring and communication, and deploys additional technical assistance and resources, such as epidemiological support, case investigation, and contact tracing help.

Governor Brown added, "While no counties are being added to the Watch List this week, it's still important that all Oregonians remain vigilant in protecting themselves and their friends, families, and neighbors from this disease. This means keeping up with physical distancing, wearing a face covering, staying home when sick, and washing your hands often,” said Governor Brown.

The complete County Watch List now includes the following six counties: Baker, Jackson, Jefferson, Malheur, Morrow, and Umatilla.

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Camp Sherman, Ore. – The latest Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of the Green Ridge Fire shows a total fire perimeter of 4,338 acres, a slight drop from previous reports. Current containment is 40 percent. Evacuation level notifications are no longer in effect. However, the Deschutes National Forest Area Closure remains in place. FS Road 14 and associated campgrounds remain open. For information about evacuation notices and Forest Area Closures go to: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7012/.

A Fire Weather Watch will be in effect today that will bring elevated winds, low humidity and temperatures around 90 degrees. While fire crews continue patrolling and gridding for hot spots along the fire’s edge, removing hazard trees for firefighter safety, and mopping up, they will also be on high alert for potential spotting over lines given the weather forecast. Crews assigned to the Green Ridge Fire are also available to provide initial attack support to the local district and forest on new fire starts within the immediate area.

Fire danger remains extreme across central Oregon. The firefighting community is asking all residents and forest visitors to exercise caution with all outdoor activities. All open fires, including campfires, wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires are prohibited on the Deschutes National Forest except in designated campgrounds. Open fires are also not allowed on private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx for more information and additional public use restrictions.   

For the most current fire information, visit https://www.facebook.com/greenridgefire2020/  

Governor Kate Brown Invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to the White River Fire
 

(Salem, OR) — At 6:20 a.m., Governor Kate Brown approved an emergency conflagration declaration for the White River Fire in Wasco County, threatening the community of Pine Grove. At the time of the declaration, 108 residences were under level 3 mandatory evacuation orders, with an additional 192 homes under level 2 and 1.

"This month, firefighting resources have been stretched to deal with 11 large wildfires," said Governor Kate Brown. "I am asking all Oregonians to remain vigilant with any activity that could spark a wildfire. We all need to do our part to help the many firefighters who are on the frontlines by preventing human-caused wildfires during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are heading outdoors this weekend, please follow all fire restrictions.”

In accordance with ORS 476.510 - 476.610, Governor Brown determined that a threat to a life, safety, and property exists due to fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The Governor's declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal to mobilize resources to assist local resources battling the fire. 

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Due to progress made by firefighters on the Green Ridge Fire, northwest of Sisters, Level One Evacuation Notices were lifted late yesterday morning. The lightning caused fire is 30-percent contained and has consumed 4, 338 acres. There are still some road closures in the area issued by the Deschutes National Forest.  The White River Fire, southeast of Government Camp in the Mount Hood National Forest is 2,775 acres large and only 10-percent contained. Yesterday, the Wasco County Sheriff issued Level 3 GO NOW evacuation orders for residents in the Pine Grove Area. The Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter at Maupin High School. The Frog Fire in Crook county is at 4,020 acres and 80% contained.

BEND, OR -- During this week’s COVID-19 briefing to Deschutes County Commissioners the topic of flu shots came up. Public Health Director Nahad Sadr-Azodi says the shots are never 100-per cent effective but do help protect people from getting the flu. He says the effectiveness of the flu vaccine this year is about 40-to-60-per cent. Sadr-Azodi says everyone should consider a flu shot in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. He says people with seasonal flu could end up competing for limited medical resources at hospitals with people who have the virus.

BEND, OR -- A Cascades East bus driver has been charged with 4^th degree assault and strangulation of a passenger.  Last week the driver, 44-year-old Michael Brinster demanded that a passenger, who was wearing socks, get off his bus for not wearing shoes and he refused. Deschutes County D-A John Hummel says Brinster tried to forcibly remove him and put a chokehold on the passenger, 25-year-old Dorian Zane Allstot, a transient, and dragged him off the bus. Hummel says Allstot lost consciousness for a few seconds. Allstot later challenged Brinster to a fight, pulled out a knife and spit in his face. Hummel charged Allstot with harassment and menacing. Hummel says there is no law requiring bus riders to wear shoes. Photo credit Central Oregon Daily.

Sisters, Ore.- A contractor with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will begin crushing and processing materials in Zimmerman Cinder Pit beginning Friday to allow ODOT to stockpile cinder for winter sanding on local highways.

Zimmerman Pit is located on national forest lands managed by the Sisters Ranger District, approximately 3.5 miles northwest of Sisters off State Highway 20.

The contractor may operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Once started, the project is planned to last approximately 10 days, but could last longer if fire restrictions impact the contractor’s operations. The contractor can operate in the pit until October 15, 2020 if needed.

Once the processing of the cinder is completed ODOT will haul the material from the pit. Hauling operation will occur Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. ODOT plans to have the material removal completed by November 20, 2020.

The public is asked to avoid Zimmerman pit until the work is completed. The public may want to choose other pits near Sisters such as:

• Cache Cinder Pit: 15 miles (four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle recommended).
• Four-mile Cinder Pit: 7 miles (200 yards of range; high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle required).
• Garrison Cinder Pit: 7.3 miles (medium-sized pit; high-clearance vehicle recommended).
• Melvin Cinder Pit: 8 miles (easy access; small pit suitable for handgun/shotgun).
• Pole Creek Cinder Pit: 9.8 miles (small pit; relatively easy access, four-wheel drive recommended).
• Schilling Cinder Pit: 19.7 miles (easy access; high-clearance vehicle; suitable for rifle/pistol/shotgun).

For more information the public can contact the Sisters Ranger District at 54-549-7700.

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Frog Fire Update

Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Doug Johnson

August 27, 2020 - 9:00 AM

The safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all wildland fire agencies.  To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe, all firefighters are asked to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the spread of illness.  This also includes limited entry into the incident command post and spike camp.  

General Updates: Minimal fire behavior is expected with creeping and smoldering. Today firefighters will continue mopping up across the fire and work on repairing areas impacted by fire suppression including dozer lines.  Part of the repair work will be continuing the cold trailing, which is where crews walk a grid pattern over an area looking for hot spots.

Favorable weather conditions continued yesterday allowing firefighters achieve 50 to 200 feet of cold ground inwards from the perimeter in many areas. An extended network of hose lays on the northwest side of the fire is assisting their mop up progress.

Thunderstorms moved through the region south and east of the fire.

Acreage: 4,020

Containment: 65%

Fire Information: 541-670-0812 (8:00 am to 9:00 PM)

E-mail:  FrogWildFire2020@gmail.com

Information Websites:

            Twitter: @CentralORFire

            Blog Site: http://www.centraloregonfire.org

Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7036/

Smoke: oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

Weather: Today’s weather will be sunny and drier.  Temperatures will reach a high of 80 degrees, minimum Rh 14-18%, and winds 3-5mph from the south/southwest.

Air Quality: The air quality can change daily; up-to-date information for Oregon is available at oregonsmoke.blogspot.com.

Resources-480:  3-type 2 initial attack crews, 10-type 2 crews, 1-light helicopter, 16-engines, 3-skidgines, 2-dozers, 14-water tenders, and miscellaneous overhead

Evacuations: None 

Closures: Several road closures and an area closure have been implemented near the Frog Fire.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office has closed the following roads:

On the south end:

· Roberts Road at Bear Creek
· Klootchman Creek Road at Bear Creek
· Salt Creek at Roberts Road

On the north end:

· Forest Service Road 16 at the junction of Forest Service Road 1610

A temporary area closure has been implemented by the Ochoco National Forest. For a full description and map of the area closure, please see the above Inciweb link.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: For the safety of firefighters and aircraft fighting the Frog Fire, a temporary flight restriction has been placed over the fire area.  Please consult the Notice to Airman for specifics.

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Oregon reports 212 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed five more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 438, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 212 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 25,761.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (18), Clatsop (1), Columbia (2), Deschutes (4), Douglas (1), Hood River (1), Jackson (15), Jefferson (2), Josephine (2), Klamath (5), Lane (8), Lincoln (1), Linn (5), Malheur (12), Marion (40), Morrow (3), Multnomah (27), Polk (3), Umatilla (8), Union (2), Washington (47), and Yamhill (4).

Oregon’s 434^th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on Aug. 19 and died on Aug. 25. He had underlying conditions. More information about place of death is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 435^th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Aug. 10 and died Aug. 25 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 436^th COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on Aug. 12 and died on Aug. 25 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 437^th COVID-19 death is a 97-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on Aug. 6 and died on Aug. 22 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 438^th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Aug.13 and died on Aug. 23 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

More information is available about Oregon’s 431^st COVID-19 death. Oregon’s 431^st COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on June 25 and died on Aug. 25. More information about place of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

Outbreak surpasses 20 cases

An outbreak of 21 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Independent Transport in Morrow County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee. The outbreak investigation started on July 28, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure. State and county public health officials are working with the company to address the outbreak and protect the health of workers.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Air quality advisory extended for parts of Southern, Central Oregon 

Date: Aug. 27, 2020

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality extended an air quality advisory for parts of Southern and Central Oregon due to smoke from wildfires in Central Oregon and Northern California.

DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until Saturday morning, with conditions generally improving each day. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in these areas.

Air quality will likely fluctuate between moderate and unhealthy for sensitive groups in the following areas:

• Klamath County
• Lake County
• Deschutes County
• Jefferson County
• Crook County
• Warm Springs Reservation
• Southern Malheur County
• Southern Harney County

The advisory for Jackson and Baker counties has been lifted.

Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

Smoke can irritate people’s eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Young children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions are most at risk.

Protect your health when smoke levels are high:

• Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
• Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
• Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These can be portable filters or can be installed in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems.
• If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 masks that are tested to ensure proper fit and that are worn correctly may provide protection. Otherwise, they might just provide a false sense of security. They are not recommended for strenuous activities and are in limited supply due to COVID-19. Additional information on wildfire smoke and COVID-19 can be found on the Center for Disease Control webpage.

DEQ’s color-coded Air Quality Index provides current air quality conditions and ranks air quality as follows: Green is good. Yellow is moderate. Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, seniors, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions. Red is unhealthy for everyone. Purple is very unhealthy for all groups. Maroon is hazardous.

Find more information: Oregon Smoke Blog

Date: August 27, 2020 / 11 am

Firefighters have continued to make good progress on the Green Ridge Fire.  At this time, all Level 1 (Be Ready) Pre-Evacuation notices have been lifted.  There are still area closures in place issued by the Deschutes National Forest.  Please use caution in the area around the Green Ridge Fire as fire personnel and equipment will continue to be working in the area.

For up to date information, follow:

• Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook
• Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook

Current maps including evacuation areas can be found at:

www.deschutes.org/emergency

For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at:

www.centraloregonfire.org

##End of Update##

Updated Joint Press Release by Deschutes and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Offices

Released by: DCSO Sgt. Nathan Garibay – Emergency Services Manager

Date:   August 24, 2020

The Level 2 (Get Set) Evacuation notices for residences north of Indian Ford between Green Ridge Rd (FS 11) and Fly Lake Rd (USFS 2050/2055) have been reduced to Level 1 (Be Ready) Pre-Evacuation Notice.

A Level 1 (Be Ready) Pre-Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:

• Residences along Indian Ford Road from Hwy 20 to Stevens Canyon Road
• Residences east of Fly Lake Rd (FS 2055) to Stevens Canyon Rd (including all residences along Stevens Canyon Rd)
• Private residences and campgrounds west of USFS 14 within the Metolius Basin in the Camp Sherman area.
• Residences in Jefferson County north of the Deschutes County line, west of Whychus Creek and the Deschutes River north to Lake Billy Chinook.  This includes areas commonly referred to as Geneva, Grandview, Three Rivers, Air Park Estates, Perry South and Monty Campgrounds.

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

Please avoid these evacuation areas and abide by any area closures issued by the Deschutes National Forest.

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up to date information.

Current maps including evacuation areas can be found at:

www.deschutes.org/emergency

For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at:

www.centraloregonfire.org

##End of Update##

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Health Director Doctor George Conway updated county commissioners on the COVID-19 virus outbreaks that occurred at six long term care facilities. He says they have now been declared as “closed outbreaks” with no official cases for 14 days. Conway says there is one staff member at another long term care facility who has tested positive. He says the majority of long term care facilities have been tested in Central Oregon with 3 more to be checked by the end of this week.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County Schools will make an official announcement next Tuesday, September 1^st about whether K-3 students can be in the classroom starting September 8th. It’s all about meeting state metrics. School spokesman Jason Carr says they are optimistic because the numbers are trending in the right direction. There are less than 10 cases per 100-thousand people and Crook county’s positive test rate is below 5-per cent. Carr says they may be able to open 4^th through 12th grade  classrooms if they can meet state metrics through Monday September 7^th.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Public Health Director Nahad Sadr-Azodi told county commissioners yesterday, many people with COVID-19 are not showing symptoms. He said he asked his wife if she knew the percentage and she guessed less than 10-per cent. Sadr-Azodi says the actual percentage of people who show no symptoms is a minimum of 40-per cent with some studies showing even higher numbers. He says even though they show no symptoms, those infected can still infect others and spread the virus. Sadr-Azodi says with so many people showing no have symptoms, it is more important than ever to get a flu shot this year.

BEND, OR -- Bend Police are asking the public for help about a car connected to the investigation of a double homicide.

The vehicle is a silver, 2016 Hyundai Accent, 4-door with out-of-state plates. Police need photo’s or video’s of the car between Tuesday August 11^th at Noon to Wednesday August 12^th at Noon. Police are trying to determine if the car was parked or traveling on Greenwood Avenue..and any connecting thoroughfares from 3^rd Street to 27^th Street…and from Olney Avenue to Reed Market Road. Anyone with photo’s or video’s should call Bend Police.

August 26, 2020

Oregon reports 222 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed six more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 433, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 222 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 25,571. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (15), Columbia (1), Coos (5), Deschutes (4), Douglas (4), Jackson (25), Josephine (2), Lane (8), Lincoln (3), Linn (1), Malheur (9), Marion (38), Morrow (2), Multnomah (54), Polk (1), Umatilla (24), Union (3), Wasco (1), Washington (18), and Yamhill (3).

Oregon’s 428^th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man in Baker County who tested positive on August 11 and died on August 21 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 429^th COVID-19 death is a 92-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on August 1 and died on August 15 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 430^th COVID-19 death is a 55-year-old man in Jefferson County who tested positive on June 26 and died on August 25 at St. Charles Medical Center Bend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 431^st COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old woman who tested positive on June 25 and died on August 25. More information about place of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 432^nd COVID-19 death is a 55-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on May 5 and died on August 15. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death.

Oregon’s 433^rd COVID-19 death is a 62-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on August 16 and died on August 22 at Adventist Health Portland. He had underlying conditions.

Weekly media briefing scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow

Media are invited to attend a media briefing at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 27, with OHA Director Patrick Allen and Oregon State Health Officer Dean Sidelinger. Media should call 844-867-6163. The access code is 593699.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff today from sunrise to sunset at all public buildings. The flags will honor two Oregon Marines who died in a training accident July 30^th, Lance Corporal Jack Ryan Ostrovsky of Bend and Lance Corporal Chase Sweetwood of Portland. The governor says the men showed honor, bravery and dedication to their state, country and as Marines.

BEND, OR -- If you have a child eager to be involved with sports this fall, Julie Brown at Bend Parks and Rec has announced this season has a lot to offer! All fall sports except Tackle Football will be available. First to eighth graders are encouraged to register while spots are available. The sports will be starting right after Labor Day through Halloween. She is also asking for volunteer coaches for team practices twice a week and games on the weekends.

CENTRAL OREGON -- Unemployment rates continue to drop in Central Oregon. Regional Economist Damon Runberg says Deschutes county saw unemployment fall from 12-point-4-per cent in June to 10-point-8-per cent in July. Crook and Jefferson counties each had 13-point-3-per cent unemployment in June but in July, Crook fell to 11-point-7 and Jefferson dropped to 11-point-3. Runberg says the pace of recovery has slowed down. He also says there may be problems ahead for the education sector of the economy with schools and colleges looking to on line classes in the face of COVID.

REDMOND, OR -- At the Redmond City Council meeting last night Redmond School District Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline presented his case for a new bond measure in November. Cline says they were able to refinance a current bond and create a gap in the tax break of about 16 cents and if they run a bond on that sixteen cent gap, they will be able to raise 27.5 million dollars without raising anybody’s taxes. Additionally, they get an extra 7.6 million dollars in a grant from the state.  Cline says this is an unprecedented opportunity.

BEND, OR -- The Republican candidate for Secretary of State is in Bend this evening for a Community Forum. State Senator Kim Thatcher of Keizer will host the event at 7 o’clock at the Shilo Inn which will include a Zoom link to join the forum. Thatcher is a member of the Oregon Public Records Advisory Council and says she shares concerns that average citizens can’t get at public records or if they can, the fees they are charged are huge. Thatcher faces Democrat Shemia Fagan in the election for Secretary of State in November.

CENTRAL OREGON -- The Green Ridge Fire was reported to be “looking good” late Tuesday afternoon. Officials reported there was little smoke from the fire and no issues with established containment lines. The report said winds picked up in lower elevations, but the fire area was described as relatively calm. The Green Ridge Fire at about 44-hundred acres and containment listed at 13-per cent. Frog Fire crews were making progress with containment lines yesterday. The blaze is 4,020 acres with containment estimated now at 45-per cent. 

Governor Kate Brown Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Two Fallen Oregon Marines, Lance Corporal Jack Ryan Ostrovsky and Lance Corporal Chase D. Sweetwood

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff tomorrow in honor of two fallen Oregon Marines, Lance Corporal Jack Ryan Ostrovsky of Bend, and Lance Corporal Chase D. Sweetwood of Portland. The two Oregon Marines were among nine service members, eight Marines and a Sailor, who lost their lives in an amphibious vehicle accident off the coast of San Clemente Island, California on July 30, 2020. Flags should be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, August 26.

"These two young men, Lance Corporal Jack Ryan Ostrovsky of Bend, and Lance Corporal Chase D. Sweetwood of Portland, showed incredible honor, bravery, and dedication to the state, to their country, and as Marines," said Governor Kate Brown. "My heart goes out to their families and loved ones for their tremendous and unexpected loss. Dan and I extend our sincere appreciation for their service."

###

August 25, 2020

Oregon reports 247 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed seven more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 427, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 247 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 25,391.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (4), Clackamas (17), Clatsop (1), Columbia (2), Coos (2), Deschutes (1), Jackson (18), Jefferson (4), Lane (3), Lincoln (3), Linn (4), Malheur (20), Marion (40), Morrow (4), Multnomah (48), Polk (1), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (24), Union (1), Wallowa (1), Washington (38), and Yamhill (7).

Oregon’s 421^st COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Lincoln County who died on August 15 in her residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death.

Oregon’s 422^nd COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on August 3 and died on August 23, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 423^rd COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old woman in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 23 and died on August 23, in his residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 424^th COVID-19 death is a 68-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on July 25 and died on August 22, at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 425^th COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old woman in Lincoln county who tested positive on August 5 and died on August 23, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 426^th COVID-19 death is a 66-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive July 23 and died on August 20, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center, in Richfield, Washington. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 427^th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on August 16 and died on August 21, at Adventist Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

BEND, OR -- An all-day care program in partnership with the Bend-La Pine Schools will be available soon. However, Julie Brown at Bend Parks and Rec says they will only be able to accommodate a limited number of children due to distancing regulations. Brown says any families currently using Bend Parks and Rec after-care programs, will be receiving e-mails this week with info on how to sign up.

CENTRAL OREGOJN -- The Oregon D-E-Q has issued an Air Quality Advisory until at least tomorrow night due to wildfire smoke and includes Deschutes and Jefferson counties and Warm Springs Reservation. Community Health Manager Tom Kuhn (coon) says people with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, people over age 65, infants, children and pregnant women should contact a doctor to develop a smoke plan. Kuhn says everyone should reduce time outdoors…set air conditioning to recirculate and reduce indoor smoke and dust such as using candles, gas stoves and vacuuming.

BEND, OR -- Yesterday afternoon a mountain bike rider was injured on Phil's Trail west of Bend. 9-1-1 was called at 3:30 and the first Deputy located the injured mountain biker about 45 minutes later.  Another deputy and 14 Search and Rescue volunteers arrived on scene a few minutes after that. The rider, Bob Brinkman of Salem, had to be taken on a wheeled litter to a waiting vehicle and then to St. Charles, Bend. No word on the extent of his injuries.

REDMOND, OR -- The Redmond City Council will consider a proclamation condemning racism at its meeting tonight. The council will also hear a presentation from Redmond School Superintendent Doctor Charan Cline and then consider a resolution to support a school bond measure. Also on the city council agenda is a presentation from the Redmond Convention & Visitors Bureau. The virtual meeting starts at 6pm tonight.

CENTRAL OREGON-- Progress has been reported on the Frog Fire on the Ochoco National Forest with crews holding the blaze at about 4-thousand acres and 40-per cent containment as of last night. The Evacuation Level for the Green Ridge Fire north of Sisters was reduced down to Level 1 yesterday though the Forset Service expanded closures in the area last night.  The fire is at just under 44-hundred acres and is 13-per cent contained.

MADRAS, OR -- Jefferson County Sheriff Jim Adkins is asking the public for help with the investigation into the death of 51-year-old Brian Jones of Redmond. The body of Jones was found last week off Highway 26 near Northwest Danube Drive in Madras. The sheriff says they think Jones traveled to Warm Springs and would like to hear information about his friends and what he was doing. Sheriff Adkins says anyone with information about Jones, or his vehicle, between 6-30 pm last Wednesday August 19^th and 6am Thursday August 20^th , is asked to call his office.

Oregon reports 220 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 420, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 220 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 25,155.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (22), Columbia (1), Coos (1), Deschutes (1), Jackson (23), Jefferson (7), Josephine (1), Klamath (2), Lane (2), Malheur (7), Marion (33), Morrow (2), Multnomah (59), Polk (2), Umatilla (11), Washington (34), and Yamhill (12).

Oregon’s 418th COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on Aug. 16 and died on Aug. 22, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 419th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Aug. 14 and died on Aug. 18, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 420th COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on July 29 and died on Aug. 23, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Medicaid enrollment increases by more than 100,000 members since March

Last week, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) had an increase of 4,016 members, bringing the total number of members to 1,180,497. Since the March 8 emergency declaration, OHP’s enrollment has increased by more than 100,000 members or 9.3 percent.

About 1 in 4 of the additional members are new enrollments to OHP. The rest of the increase is due to a policy change that keeps the vast majority of members enrolled in the program during this national emergency. Since the end of March, people exiting the program decreased by around 75 percent from 20,000 people a month to about 5,000 a month. Adults eligible for OHP through the Affordable Care Act have made up about 60 percent of the program’s growth, and children covered by Medicaid account for about 25 percent of the growth.

Federal funding has increased to support states’ increases in the program. This 6.2 percent increase in federal Medicaid matching funds has covered and is projected to cover Oregon’s enrollment increases through the end of the year.

The Oregon Health Authority has made several changes to its Medicaid program to support health care access for Oregonians during the response to COVID-19. These changes include:

• Individuals can sign up for OHP without having to verify their income (submit a pay stub) with their application. They can self-attest, which helps Oregonians get access to OHP coverage more quickly.
• Most members who are currently enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan will not lose coverage during this crisis.
• Federal stimulus payments and increased unemployment payments will not affect OHP eligibility. They will not be counted during the application process or when members report a change in their household.

OHP provides free physical, dental and behavioral health coverage to Oregonians who qualify. For more information about applying for OHP, go to OHP.Oregon.gov.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Updated Joint Press Release by Deschutes and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Offices

Released by: DCSO Sgt. Nathan Garibay – Emergency Services Manager

The Level 2 (Get Set) Evacuation notices for residences north of Indian Ford between Green Ridge Rd (FS 11) and Fly Lake Rd (USFS 2050/2055) have been reduced to Level 1 (Be Ready) Pre-Evacuation Notice.

A Level 1 (Be Ready) Pre-Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:

• Residences along Indian Ford Road from Hwy 20 to Stevens Canyon Road
• Residences east of Fly Lake Rd (FS 2055) to Stevens Canyon Rd (including all residences along Stevens Canyon Rd)
• Private residences and campgrounds west of USFS 14 within the Metolius Basin in the Camp Sherman area.
• Residences in Jefferson County north of the Deschutes County line, west of Whychus Creek and the Deschutes River north to Lake Billy Chinook.  This includes areas commonly referred to as Geneva, Grandview, Three Rivers, Air Park Estates, Perry South and Monty Campgrounds.

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

Please avoid these evacuation areas and abide by any area closures issued by the Deschutes National Forest.

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up to date information.

Current maps including evacuation areas can be found at:

www.deschutes.org/emergency

For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at:

www.centraloregonfire.org

##End of Update##

Joint Release by Deschutes and Jefferson County Sheriffs’ Offices

Released by: DCSO Lt. William Bailey – Public Information Officer           

Due to fire activity involving the Green Ridge Fire, the Deschutes and Jefferson County Sheriffs’ Offices have issued the following evacuation notices.

A Level 2 (Get Set) Evacuation notice for the following areas: Residences north of Indian Ford Road; east of Green Ridge Rd 11 and west of Fly Lake Road (USFS 2055).

Level 2: Means “BE SET” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. This may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.

A Level 1 (Be Ready) Pre-Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas: Residences along the south side of Indian Ford Road from Hwy 20 to Stevens Canyon Road; residences east of Fly Lake Rd (FS 2055) to Stevens Canyon Rd (including all residences along Stevens Canyon Rd); and private residences and campgrounds west of USFS 14 within the Metolius Basin in the Camp Sherman area.

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

This decision was made after consultation with fire managers and authorized by Sheriffs L. Shane Nelson and Jim Adkins.  We will continue to work with fire managers to ensure public safety and prevent conflicts between citizens and fire operations.  We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of residents. 

Please avoid these evacuation areas and abide by any area closures issued by the Deschutes National Forest.

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up to date information.

Current maps including evacuation areas can be found at:

www.deschutes.org/emergency

For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at:

www.centraloregonfire.org

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

BEND, OR -- This year marks the 100^th Anniversary of the 19^th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The Deschutes Historical Museum Executive Director, Kelly Cannon-Miller says they have learned that chalking sidewalks 100 years ago was a way for women suffragettes to get their message out. She says on Wednesday August 26^th the community is invited to grab some chalk and write on the museum sidewalks, some or all, of either the text of the 19^th Amendment or, the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

CENTRAL OREGON -- A 60-year-old woman from Toutle, Washington was thrown by her horse yesterday afternoon and had to be transported to hospital. Dona Kondro was on the Quinn Creek Trail near Elk Lake. It took almost an hour for rescuers to reach her and almost another hour to get her to the trailhead by wheeled litter, where she was taken to St. Charles by ambulance. Two Sheriff's Deputies and 12 Search and Rescue volunteers responded.

UMATILLA, OR -- A Deschutes county man, 24-year-old Richard Rose, died Friday at Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla. Rose entered prison in May 2018. He was convicted of DUII and assault for a head-on collision in 2015 that caused extreme injuries to 63-year-old Terry Neil, a Sunriver businessman. Prosecutors said Rose had marijuana, cocaine and Xanax in his system at the time of the wreck. Rose had the earliest release date of April, 2022. The cause of Rose’s death was not released pending a Medical Examiner’s report.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 417, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 231 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 24,937.

The new cases are in the following counties: Clackamas (19), Columbia (2), Coos (1), Deschutes (8), Jackson (13), Jefferson (1), Klamath (2), Lane (4), Linn (7), Malheur (28), Marion (41), Morrow (2), Multnomah (64), Polk (3), Umatilla (7), Washington (26), Yamhill (3).

Oregon reports 259 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 414, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 259 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 24,421.

The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (16), Columbia (1), Coos (1), Curry (1), Deschutes (2), Douglas (1), Hood River (2), Jackson (18), Jefferson (6), Klamath (2), Lane (4), Lincoln (6), Linn (3), Malheur (28), Marion (55), Morrow (3), Multnomah (38), Polk (8), Umatilla (17), Union (1), Wasco (1), Washington (25) and Yamhill (18).  

Oregon’s 413th COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old man in Lane County who tested positive on July 24 and died on Aug. 19 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 414th COVID-19 death is a 96-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on Aug. 11 and died on Aug. 19 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

COVID 19 modeling data shows improvement

OHA released its latest modeling update today. As with previous reports, it modeled three future scenarios with different assumptions about transmission levels. The models start Aug. 14 and project over the next month.

• The first scenario showed that if transmission continues at its current rate, the estimated number of approximately 900 new daily infections would remain steady over the next 4 weeks. The number of new severe cases would continue at approximately 19 per day, by Sept. 10. The Re is – transmission rate – is projected to remain at 1.
• In a scenario where transmission decreases by 10 percentage points and continues at that level over the next month, the estimated daily number of new infections and newly diagnosed cases would decrease. That model shows there would be 300 new infections daily and 11 new severe cases per day. That transmission rate is .75.
• In a scenario where transmission increases by 10 percentage points and continues at that level over the next month, the estimated daily number of new infections and newly diagnosed cases would increase. That model projects 2,200 new daily infections and 29 new severe cases per day by Sept. 10. That transmission rate is 1.25.

Oregon State Public Health Laboratory secures supplies to process over 400,000 specimens to increase in-state testing capacity

Today, OHA announced that it had secured supplies to process more than 400,000 COVID-19 specimens via an agreement between the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) and ThermoFisher.

The supplies will be distributed to certain qualifying laboratories, increasing Oregon’s overall COVID-19 testing capacity. The agreement will add capacity to process at least an additional 20,000 tests per week on average.

“This is an important step toward securing the COVID-19 testing capacity that our state needs,” said Patrick Allen, OHA director. “As we’ve said for months, without adequate testing, we cannot truly suppress the virus in our communities.”

The new agreement builds on one that OSPHL had in place with ThermoFisher and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in May and June, under which OSPHL received and distributed supplies to process some 130,000 specimens.

OHSU, McKenzie Willamette Hospital and the Willamette Valley Toxicology Laboratory/OSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory participated in that program. The OSPHL will continue to distribute the kits to these three laboratories and will reach out to additional qualified laboratories to further expand testing capacity in Oregon.

Note: The following slides were cited in Governor Brown’s press conference today:

• Positive case counts have stabilized
• Case counts are declining but too slowly
• Test positivity

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Air quality advisory for Harney, Malheur, Northern Deschutes counties

Date: Aug. 21, 2020

Advisory for Jefferson County, Warm Springs and Lakeview areas also remains in effect.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory for Harney, Malheur and Northern Deschutes counties Friday due to smoke from nearby wildfires.

An advisory for Jefferson County, Warm Springs and Lakeview areas also remains in effect, until at least Monday. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in these areas.

Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

Smoke can irritate people’s eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Young children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions are most at risk.

Protect your health when smoke levels are high:

• Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
• Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
• Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These can be portable filters or can be installed in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems.
• If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 masks that are tested to ensure proper fit and that are worn correctly may provide protection. Otherwise, they might just provide a false sense of security. They are not recommended for strenuous activities and are in limited supply due to COVID-19. Additional information on wildfire smoke and COVID-19 can be found on the Center for Disease Control webpage.

DEQ’s color-coded Air Quality Index provides current air quality conditions and ranks air quality as follows: Green is good. Yellow is moderate. Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, seniors, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions. Red is unhealthy for everyone. Purple is very unhealthy for all groups. Maroon is hazardous.

Media contact: Laura Gleim, public affairs specialist, 503-577-3697, gleim.laura@deq.state.or.us

More information

Prineville, Oregon – Northwest Incident Management Team 8 Incident Commander Doug Johnson, has assumed management of the Frog Fire as of 6:00 a.m. today.

The Frog Fire is burning in steep terrain in the Maury Mountains on the Ochoco National Forest, and on nearby private range and timber lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry as well as lands managed by the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management. Erratic winds remain a challenge for firefighters as fire behavior remains active in hot and dry conditions.

Last night the fire made a push to the northeast and firefighters will concentrate efforts there today. Firefighters are looking for opportunities to hold the fire on preliminary containment lines but are challenged by several spot fires that have jumped over those lines. Crews will continue to attack and suppress those spots while patrolling for new ones today along preliminary lines. Crews were assisted by Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and heavy air tankers laying down retardant to slow the spread of the fire while heavy helicopters cooled hot spots.
Infrared mapping was unavailable overnight so the acreage will remain the same estimated acreage as August 20 with no containment to report.

An area closure was put in place yesterday for all U.S. Forest Service managed lands west of Forest Road 17 in the Maury Mountains. This closure is being implemented for the safety of the public and firefighters working in the area. Additionally, Crook County Sheriff’s Office has issued several road closures around the Frog Fire. On the south side of the Maury Mountain they include: Roberts Road at Bear Creek, Klootchman Creek Road at Bear Creek, Salt Creek Road at Roberts Road. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the Alert Crook County notification system at: www.alertcrookcounty.org

For more information on fires in Central Oregon, visit: www.centraloregonfire.org or keep up with us on Twitter at twitter.com/CentralORFire
# # #

BEND, OR -- COCC has announced its plan for reopening Fall Term on September 21^st. Jenn Kovitz, at the college says they plan to offer 75-to-80-per cent of their classes remotely or, online except for Career and Technical Education classes. Among them Dental and Nursing programs, Automotive, Veterinary and Pharmacy Tech and Fire Science. Kovitz says other campus facilities including Mazama Gym will be closed along with dining services. She says the library is closed but will offer curbside pickup. Kovitz says no students will be housed on campus in the fall. 

BEND, OR -- Bend City Council has decided to put the transportation bond on the November ballot. City Manager Eric King says the $190,000,000 worth of projects will be done over a span of ten years. He says there is a lot of sensitivity to the current economic uncertainty, so a language was added to the bond that will delay any levying of taxes until 2022 to let the economy recover.

LA PINE, OR -- Two Gresham residents were arrested as a direct result of a long-term drug investigation by the CODE team with assistance from Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Thirty-six-year-old Denny Dechenne and twenty-three year old Josie Tenhonen were arrested off of Hwy 97 in La Pine after being found with approximately 2.2 pounds of methamphetamine, user amounts of heroin, packaging materials and a handgun that was readily accessible by the occupants. They are being detained at Deschutes County Adult Jail.

BEND, OR -- Bend La Pine Schools held a virtual Town Hall Wednesday for students, parents, teachers and staff. Superintendent Lora Nordquist says school will start September 14^th with Comprehensive Distance Learning in place. She says if families want students to return to the classroom, Comprehensive Distance Learning is the best option. Nordquist says if families have long term plans to have their student educated at home, then Bend La Pine Schools Online might be a better option. She says the entire school year will be reviewed every six weeks to give families notice before there is any kind of transition. 

Date:  08/20/20

By:  Lt. Bryan Husband, Search and Rescue Coordinator

Location:  Green Lakes Trail, Approximately 3.5 miles from Green Lakes Trail Head

Rescued:  Lindsey Napier, 33 year old female, Albany, OR

On 08/20/20, at about 1:42pm, Deschutes County 9-1-1 received a report of an injured horseback rider on the Green Lakes Trail, approximately 3.5 miles from the Green Lakes Trail Head.  The rider had reportedly been walking her horse across a creek when it jumped and landed on her, stepping on her back and head.  The patient's injuries were reported as serious.  The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Unit was contacted to assist with the patient extraction.  

Due to the nature of the potential injuries, AirLink was contacted and agreed to transport 2 DCSO SAR Medical Team members as close to the patient as possible to make initial contact.  Two other DCSO SAR members who had been at the Devil's Lake Trail Head area responded directly to the Green Lakes Trail Head and started down the trail on foot.  One DCSO Deputy and 13 additional DCSO SAR team members responded to the Green Lakes Trail Head from Bend and began hiking in towards the patient to assist with a wheeled litter extract if the helicopter could not land close.

The two DCSO SAR Volunteers who responded from Devil's Lake TH arrived at the patient's location at approximately 3:20pm.  AirLink was able to land approximately one mile from the patient.  The DCSO SAR Medical Team hiked the remaining distance and arrived at the patient location at about 3:38pm.  Medical team members assessed the patient, stabilized her as much as possible and then with the assistance of the additional ground team members transported her via wheeled litter to the awaiting AirLink helicopter.  DCSO SAR teams arrived at AirlLink's position at approximately 5:03pm.  AirLink then transported the patient to St. Charles Hospital in Bend for further treatment. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office would like to thank AirLink for their assistance with this rescue.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Richard Rose, has passed away on August 21, 2020. Rose was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla, and passed away at an outside medical facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Rose entered DOC custody on May 24, 2018, from Deschutes County with an earliest release date was April 22, 2022. Rose was 24 years old. Next of kin have been notified.

Rose was convicted of DUII and two counts of assault for a head-on collision that seriously injured 63 year old Terry Neil in August 2015. Prosecutors said at the time of the wreck Rose had marijuana, cocaine, Xanax and Ketamine in his system 

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 14,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

Governor Kate Brown Announces Updates to the County Watch List

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced that two counties—Marion and Wasco—have succeeded in reducing the spread of COVID-19 sufficiently enough to be removed from the County Watch List. Meanwhile, Jackson County has been added to the Watch List. This brings the total number of counties on the list to eight.

“I want to applaud county officials and community members in Marion and Wasco Counties for their efforts in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in their communities. This is yet another example of how we can combat this disease by working together,” said Governor Brown.

Counties are placed on the Watch List when COVID-19 is spreading quickly and public health officials cannot trace that spread to specific sources—creating a potentially dangerous dynamic. Specific markers of this rapid community spread include when there is a sporadic case rate of 50 or more per 100,000 people in the last two weeks and the county has had more than five sporadic cases in the last two weeks (sporadic cases are those that cannot be traced to a source; they indicate community spread). Counties remain on the Watch List for a minimum of three weeks and until their sporadic case rates drop below these thresholds.

The County Watch List allows the state to prioritize resources and assistance to counties that are seeing the broadest spread of COVID-19. When a county is placed on the Watch List, the Oregon Health Authority increases monitoring and communication, and deploys additional technical assistance and resources, such as epidemiological support, case investigation, and contact tracing help.

Governor Brown added: "As always, I'm urging all Oregonians to continue abiding by state orders and guidelines, including maintaining physical distancing, wearing a face covering, and practicing good hygiene. Remember, we are all in this together."

The complete County Watch List now includes the following eight counties: Baker, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Malheur, Morrow, Multnomah, and Umatilla.

Mike Krantz, City of Bend Police Chief

Hello,

My name is Mike Krantz. I was sworn in on August 10 as your new chief of police. I am proud to be the 10th police chief in Bend and am looking forward to building on the strong foundation of trust that the Bend Police Department has worked so hard to establish here. 

As many of you already may know, on my third day at work here, I responded to a large public First Amendment event involving an immigration detainment and responding federal agents. This occurred before I could even get to know my team and or learn the software systems we use at the City. This week was truly a learning experience for me and allowed me to get to know a lot about this community in a very short time.

As I said on the night of the event and continue to be grateful for, I was thankful for the people who were there to express their rights in a peaceful way. The example they provided is a roadmap to safe expression for all communities. I know how polarizing feelings and beliefs are around immigration; however, I feel that the peaceful expression galvanized the Bend community and did show others what can be done without violence.

I look forward to the coming months when I will be able to spend time getting to know the incredible community members who work inside the Bend Police Department. I am also looking forward to getting to know and creating relationships with the people in our welcoming and beautiful town and the greater Central Oregon area.

I am committed to being inclusive in moving forward with all community members, to developing partnerships and relationships in an effort to evolve as a police department that will continue to serve Bend’s needs, reflect the values of Bend and increase overall public safety.

Engagement from the community is important to work through needed changes. This work and collaboration with the community will continue to grow trust and increase the legitimacy of public safety throughout the country and in every community. 

I’m honored to lead the Bend Police Department as it continues its nationally-renowned work in community-based policing and to advance its diversity and inclusion work.

-- Mike Krantz, Police Chief

Ochoco National Forest Implements Temporary Area Closure for Frog Fire

Prineville, Ore. – Effective immediately, Ochoco National Forest officials have put in place an area closure for the Frog Fire burning in the Maury Mountains on the Ochoco National Forest. The Frog Fire, which started August 16 and is now estimated at 3,700 acres, is burning in the steep and rugged terrain of the Maury Mountains in heavy timber and now onto adjacent private rangelands and land managed by the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management.

The following area closure is in place (see attached map for details):

All lands managed by the US Forest Service west of NFSR (National Forest System Road) 17 in the Maury Mountains. Including Forest Service managed lands within T. 17 S, R. 18 E., sections 20-29 and 33-36; T. 17 S., R. 17 E., sections 19-36; T. 18 S., R. 18 E., sections 1-4, 9-12, 14, and 15; T. 18 S., R. 19 E., sections 1-12, 14-18, 22, and 23.

The following road closures are in place:

• All National Forest System Roads found within the area closure are closed.
• NFSR 17 will remain open for public use.

For more information on the Frog Fire, visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7036/

###

Virtual Public Meeting ~ Green Ridge Fire

The Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 10 will hold a virtual public meeting at 6 p.m. PST, Friday, August 21, 2020. The meeting will be livestreamed to help meet the Governor of Oregon’s recommendations for minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

Presenters will include: Incident Commander - Alan Lawson, Deschutes National Forest, Sisters District Ranger - Ian Reid, Central Oregon Fire Management Service - Rob Pentzer, Team 10 Operations Chief - Steve North, Team 10 Fire Behavior - Forest Ownbey, Deschutes National Forest, Sisters Ranger District - James Osborne, Deschutes County Sheriff Office, Emergency Services Manager - Nathan Garibay, Jefferson County Sheriff Office, Emergency Services Manager – David, Pond, Oregon Department of Forestry, Area COVID Coordinator - Amber Ziring.

To join the meeting, please go to Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestTeam10/live/

To participate, viewers do not need a Facebook account to view the meeting. The livestream will appear at the top of the Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 10 Facebook page a few minutes before 6:00 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions through Facebook about the Green Ridge Fire.

If you do not have the ability to connect to Facebook, the meeting will be recorded and saved on our Facebook page.

For members of the public unable to join the meeting via Facebook, information about the Green Ridge Fire will continue to be posted on fire information boards located in Sisters and the Camp Sherman area.

Green Ridge Fire Information

Agency Jurisdiction: Oregon Department of Forestry/USFS-Deschutes National Forest

Email: 2020.GreenRidge@firenet.gov   

Twitter: @CentralORfire

Green Ridge Fire Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7012/

Central Oregon Fire Information: www.centraloregonfire.org

Air quality advisory for Jefferson County, Warm Spring and Lakeview 

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory for the Jefferson County, Warm Spring and Lakeview areas due to smoke from nearby wildfires.

DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in these areas.

Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

Smoke can irritate people’s eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Young children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions are most at risk.

• Protect your health when smoke levels are high:
• Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
• Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
• Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These can be portable filters or can be installed in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems.
• If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 masks that are tested to ensure proper fit and that are worn correctly may provide protection. Otherwise, they might just provide a false sense of security. They are not recommended for strenuous activities and are in limited supply due to COVID-19. Additional information on wildfire smoke and COVID-19 can be found on the Center for Disease Control webpage.

DEQ’s color-coded Air Quality Index provides current air quality conditions and ranks air quality as follows: Green is good. Yellow is moderate. Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, seniors, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions. Red is unhealthy for everyone. Purple is very unhealthy for all groups. Maroon is hazardous.

Media contact: Laura Gleim, public affairs specialist, 503-577-3697, gleim.laura@deq.state.or.us

Find more information.

Oregon reports 301 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 4 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed four more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 412, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 301 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 24,165.

The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (4), Clackamas (32), Clatsop (1), Columbia (2), Deschutes (1), Douglas (2), Jackson (18), Jefferson (5), Josephine (2), Klamath (2), Lane (7), Lincoln (4), Linn (6), Malheur (7), Marion (54), Morrow (5), Multnomah (57), Polk (5), Sherman (1), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (19), Union (3), Wasco (1), Washington (50), and Yamhill (12).

Oregon’s 409th COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on July 27 and died on August 17, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 410th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old woman in Baker County who tested positive on August 9 and died on August 16, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 411th COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on August 12 and died on August 19, at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 412th COVID-19 death is a 60-year-old man in Linn County who tested positive on July 11 and died on August 19. More information about location of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond Mayor George Endicott says the city’s efforts are underway to hold a rodeo next month at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, called The Chute Out. The rodeo will be broadcasted nationally, and spectators are welcome. However, Deschutes Fairgrounds will limit capacity at 250 people per night. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event is encouraged to contact the fairgrounds for more info.

MADRAS, OR -- KBND reported yesterday, a fatal wreck had occurred Tuesday afternoon on Highway 97 south of Madras. Oregon State Police say a semi driver hit the back of a Toyota Rav 4 and then the semi then crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a BMW. Police say the semi then collided with a Volvo driven by 52-year-old Nadia Rankov Adams of Redmond who died at the scene. Several drivers and passengers were taken to local hospitals with various injuries.

BEND, OR -- Bend Police are continuing the investigation into the murders of 29-year-old Natasha R. Newby and 34 year old Raymond Atkinson Junior last weekend.  Police say they are following leads outside Deschutes county. Lieutenant Juli McConkey says social media platforms have circulated information but police need to make other connections for a thorough investigation. She says to protect the integrity of the investigation they cannot release unverified information as that can hinder the process.   

CAMP SHERMAN, OR -- The Deschutes and Jefferson County Sheriff’s issued Level 1 and Level 2 Evacuation Notices for areas near the Green Ridge Fire yesterday. Level 1 means “get ready” and take care of people with special needs, pets and livestock. Level 2 means be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. This means, load your vehicle with a 72-hour kit and relocate to a shelter or go to family or friends outside the evacuation area. The evacuation notices include areas of Indian Ford Road, Fly Lake Road, Stevens Canyon Road and west of Forest Road 14 near Camp Sherman

Oregon reports 203 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 11 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed 11 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 408, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 203 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 23,870.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (1), Clackamas (15), Columbia (3), Crook (1), Deschutes (4), Douglas (1), Hood River (1), Jackson (24), Jefferson (9), Josephine (2), Klamath (1), Lane (5), Linn (3), Malheur (10), Marion (30), Morrow (1), Multnomah (41), Polk (4), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (11), Union (3), Washington (25), and Yamhill (7).

Oregon’s 398th COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on August 7 and died on August 16, at Providence Portland Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 399th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old woman in Polk County who tested positive on August 4 and died on August 15, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 400th COVID-19 death is a 99-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on August 10 and died on August 18, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 401st COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on August 4 and died on August 9, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 402nd COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 25 and died on August 13, at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 403rd COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 16 and died on August 11, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 404th COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on June 21 and died on August 11, at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 405th COVID-19 death is a 60-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 15 and died on August 1, at Adventist Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 406th COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 13 and died on July 25, at Adventist Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 407th COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 30 and died on August 8, at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 408th COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old woman in Multnomah who became symptomatic on August 10, after close contact with a confirmed case and died on August 14, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

COVID cases continue downward trend

OHA issued its Weekly Report today, which showed during the week of Aug. 10 through Aug. 16, OHA recorded 1,963 new cases of COVID-19 infection—down from last week’s tally of 2,122. In addition, 31 deaths were reported, down from last week’s toll of 39. During that week the percentage of tests positive was stable at 5.4 percent, while new hospitalizations fell to 115 from 143 last week.

About two-thirds of cases reported contact with a confirmed case, most commonly from someone in their household. Outbreaks in care facilities and workplaces continue to be reported and investigated by local public health authorities. But a large number of new cases are “sporadic,” meaning that no source for the case was identified.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Joint Release by Deschutes and Jefferson County Sheriffs’ Offices

Released by: DCSO Lt. William Bailey – Public Information Officer           

Due to fire activity involving the Green Ridge Fire, the Deschutes and Jefferson County Sheriffs’ Offices have issued the following evacuation notices.

A Level 2 (Get Set) Evacuation notice for the following areas: Residences north of Indian Ford Road; east of Green Ridge Rd 11 and west of Fly Lake Road (USFS 2055).

Level 2: Means “BE SET” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. This may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.

A Level 1 (Get Set) Pre-Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas: Residences along the south side of Indian Ford Road from Hwy 20 to Stevens Canyon Road; residences east of Fly Lake Rd (FS 2055) to Stevens Canyon Rd (including all residences along Stevens Canyon Rd); and private residences and campgrounds west of USFS 14 within the Metolius Basin in the Camp Sherman area.

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

This decision was made after consultation with fire managers and authorized by Sheriffs L. Shane Nelson and Jim Adkins.  We will continue to work with fire managers to ensure public safety and prevent conflicts between citizens and fire operations.  We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of residents. 

Please avoid these evacuation areas and abide by any area closures issued by the Deschutes National Forest.

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up to date information.

Current maps including evacuation areas can be found at:

www.deschutes.org/emergency

For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at:

www.centraloregonfire.org

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Date: August 19, 2020                    

Deschutes and Willamette National Forests Implement Area Closure for Lily Lake Fire

Lily Lake Fire Burning in Charlton Roadless Area Prompts Closures That Include Portion of PCT

Bend, Ore.- Effective immediately, Deschutes and Willamette National Forest officials have placed an area closure for the Lily Lake Fire burning northeast of Lily Lake within the Charlton Roadless Area west of the Cascade Lakes Highway. The Lily Lake Fire, which started August 17 and is now estimated at 30 acres, is burning within the 1996 Charlton Fire Scar and adjacent heavy timber. The heel of the fire is located within 100 feet of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The fire is 10% contained and continues to grow to the north and east prompting area and trail closures.

The following area closure is in place (see attached map):

Northern Closure Boundary

From the boundary between the Willamette National Forest and the Deschutes National Forest (T 20S, R 6E, Section 26) at the junction of the 517 road and 4636 road, heading east and including all lands south of the 4636 road, but not including the 4636 road, to the intersection of the Many Lakes trailhead, but not including the Many Lakes Trailhead.

Eastern Closure Boundary

From the intersection of the Many Lakes Trailhead, south along trail 99, all lands west of trail 99, but not including trail 99, to road 4290.

Southern Closure Boundary

From the intersection of trail 99 and road 4290, west along road 4290 to the intersection of the 4290 and trail 3593, all lands north of road 4290, but not including road 4290.

Western Closure Boundary

From the intersection of the 4290 and trail 3593, west to the intersection of trail 3593 and road 5898, all land north of trail 3593, but not including trail 3593.  North along road 5898 to Harralson Horse Camp, all lands east of road 5898, but not including the 5898 road or Harralson Horse Camp.  West along trail 4634 until the intersection of trail 4634 and road 514, all lands north of trail 4634, but not including trail 4634.  North along the 514 road to the intersection of the 517 road, all lands east of the 514 road, but not including the 514 road.  East along the 517 road, all lands south of the 517 road, but not including the 517 road, until the boundary between the Willamette National Forest and the Deschutes National Forest at the junction of the 517 road and 4636 road

The following trail closures are in place:

Deschutes & Willamette National Forest Trails

• Pacific Crest Trail, from road 4290 to road 4636

Deschutes National Forest Trails

• Charlton Trail 19, from road 4290 to junction with trail 99
• Clover Meadow Trail 21

Willamette National Forest Trails

• Harralson Trail 4364, from Harralson Horse Camp to the Pacific Crest Trail

There are no road closures at this time.

From The Crook County Sheriff

Media Release

On August 19, 2020 at approximately 0520 hours, Deputies from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to investigate an injury traffic crash on Hwy. 126 at SW Parrish Ln. in Powell Butte. Initial reports indicated that two vehicles were involved and a power pole was blocking highway 126, west of SW Parrish Ln. Officers from the Prineville Police Department also responded and arrived on scene prior to Deputies. Officers found that this crash involved three vehicles with possible serious injuries.

The investigation determined that a Honda Fit operated by a 52 yr. old Bend man was stopped eastbound on Hwy. 126 at SW Parrish Rd., waiting to turn left. A Hyundai Accent being driven by 21 yr. old Orion Tillitt of Albany was also eastbound on Hwy. 126 approaching SW Parrish Ln. Orion failed to take appropriate action in observing/slowing for the legally stopped vehicle. Orion’s vehicle rear ended the Hyundai at near highway speed. The force of the impact pushed the Hyundai into the westbound lane of travel where it collided head-on with a westbound Ford F150 being driven by a 33 yr. old Clackamas man. The Ford F150 left the roadway after the collision and struck a fence and power pole, shearing the pole and causing it to fall into the roadway.

Crook County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and extricated the driver of the Ford F150 from the vehicle. He was transported by Life Flight to St. Charles Bend with possible serious injuries. The driver of the Honda Fit was transported by Crook County Fire Rescue to St. Charles Prineville with minor injuries. Orion Tillitt of Albany was cited in lieu of custody at the scene for Reckless Driving. He was transported by Redmond Fire to St. Charles in Redmond for minor injuries.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Prineville Police Department, Oregon State Police, Crook County Fire Rescue, Redmond Fire, Life Flight, Oregon Department of Transportation and Pacific Power and Light.

As early morning and afternoon travel continues to increase on Hwy. 126 and Powell Butte Hwy., drivers need to exhibit patience and plan appropriately for increased travel times. Deputies have seen a significant increase in citizen traffic complaints and motor vehicle crashes on these roadways, primarily involving speeds/unsafe passing and inattentive driving behaviors. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind drivers to keep their focus on the roadway, follow at safe distances and travel at the posted speeds. Take responsibility and do your part to ensure that you and others return home safely.

MADRAS, OR -- On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at approximately 1:34 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 100 (SW Bear Drive) south of Madras.

Preliminary investigation revealed a line of traffic was stopped northbound waiting for a vehicle making a left hand turn onto SW Bear Drive. A northbound Volvo semi-truck and trailer, operated by Inderjit Sign (57) of Yuba City, CA. struck the back of a stopped Toyota Rav 4, operated by Rebecca Martinez (36) of West Linn. The semi-truck then crossed into the oncoming lane impacting a southbound BMW operated by Renee Connors (39) of Ridgefield WA. The semi-truck then collided with a southbound Volvo operated by Nadia Rankov Adams (52) of Redmond OR. Rankov Adams sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Several other operators and their passengers were transported to area hospitals with various injuries. OSP was assisted by Jefferson County Fire & Rescue, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT. 

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update, August 19 9:30 a.m.

Central Oregon –

Firefighters are responding to two new incidents in Central Oregon today, including a 200 acre fire burning near the South Fork of the John Day. Gusty winds are expected along the Cascade crest today, which will challenge firefighting suppression efforts.

The Green Ridge Fire remains an estimated 500 acres burning on the Deschutes National Forest and private land protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry with 5% containment this morning. A Type 2 Incident Management Team has taken command of the fire as of 6:00 a.m. this morning. An area closure will soon be put in place for the safety of the public and firefighter working in the area. There are no evacuations at this time.

There was minimal growth on the Lily Fire in the Charlton Roadless Area on the Deschutes National Forest (DNF) last night. It remains an estimated 30 acres with 10% containment. With forecasted winds, firefighters will be challenged with increased fire behavior today on this fire which is burning in the 1996 Charlton Fire scar and into nearby heavy timber. Officials will be putting into place an area closure for the safety of the public and firefighters working in the area that will include some portions of the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Frog Fire in the Maury Mountains on the Ochoco National Forest east of Prineville is now estimated to be 50 acres with no containment. A Type 3 Incident Management Team has taken command of the fire and will be continuing to construct preliminary fire lines by hand and then scouting for opportunities for a potential burnout operation in the next few days when conditions are favorable.

Additionally, there are two new incidents in Central Oregon—incident #728 near the south fork of the John Day River called the Peewee Creek Fire that is estimated at 12 acres, incident #739 is estimated at 200 acres near Jerry Mountain approximately 15 miles west of Dayville, north of Highway 26.

For up-to-date information on Central Oregon fires, visit www.centraloregonfire.org or www.twitter.com/CentralORFire

Scammers are finding new ways to prey on the vulnerable through benefits fraud. Danielle Kane with the Better Business Bureau says these scams have boosted the category of ID theft back to the number one spot for national scams. She also says if you are not eligible for unemployment, these scams won’t affect you. However, if you do qualify, filling out the identity theft form on identitytheft.gov will alert other necessary agencies such as your local attorney general.

BEND, OR -- A highly-technical rescue had to be performed in Bend last night to recover a man who fell off a cliff near Rippling River Court. About 1 a.m. a neighbor heard a man yelling for help from the canyon across the river. After calling 9-1-1 the neighbor then found the victim and directed police to his location. It turns out, the 29-year-old man, from Ohio, fell about 40 feet while trying to scale the near sheer canyon wall at night. A tourniquet was used on his injuries while rescuers worked to extricate him from the canyon and take him to the hospital.

BEND, OR -- The Bend La Pine Schools will host two virtual Town Halls today on Facebook and Vimeo. The English version is at 4pm and the Spanish version at 6pm. The event is for families, students and community members to learn about back to school topics. The events will last about 45-minutes and will include a presentation from Superintendent Lora Nordquist. Topics to be covered include school schedules, decision making steps, On-line schools and support for families.

CENTRAL OREGON -- Gusty winds and hot temperatures pushed the Green Ridge fire northeast of Camp Sherman further east onto private land. It’s now burned at least 500 acres and is only 5% contained. Additional resources have been brought in this morning. No evacuation notices have been issued, but they will be closing roads in the area. The Frog Fire on the Ochoco National Forest east of Prineville is estimated to be at 40 acres with no containment. And the Lily Fire burning on the Deschutes National Forest is estimated at 30 acers and 10% contained. That fire is withing 100 feet of the Pacific Crest Trail.  High temperatures and afternoon winds remain a concern. A fire at 800 acres has been reported on Warm, Springs Reservation, no othetr information available on that incident at this time. 

POWELL BUTTE, OR -- A Prineville man is jailed after incidents on Highway 126 Monday night near Powell Butte. A driver alerted Crook County Dispatch to a vehicle as weaving all over the road, almost getting into accidents and hitting a construction sign. Crook County Sheriff’s Sergeant Jacob Childers says deputies arrived and some ODOT workers told them the man had passed them, then turned around and drove back toward the workers, nearly hitting them, and crashing into their trailer. Childers says they arrested 25-year-old Aaron Knouse of Prineville.

Oregon reports 237 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 9 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed nine more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 397, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 237 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 23,676. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (3), Clackamas (11), Columbia (2), Deschutes (5), Douglas (3), Hood River (2), Jackson (20), Jefferson (4), Josephine (8), Klamath (6), Lane (2), Lincoln (1), Linn (4), Malheur (32), Marion (48), Morrow (3), Multnomah (29), Polk (3), Umatilla (12), Union (2), Wasco (1), Washington (25), and Yamhill (10).

Oregon’s 389^th COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on July 20 and died on August 15 at Tuality Healthcare. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 390^th COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on August 6 and died on August 16 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 391^st COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on August 4 and died on August 11. More information about location of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 392^nd COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 28 and died on August 16 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 393^rd COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Jefferson County who tested positive on July 28 and died on August 15 at St. Charles Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 394^th COVID-19 death is a 97-year-old woman in Lincoln County who tested positive on August 2 and died on August 15 in her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 395^th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man in Lincoln County who tested positive on August 2 and died on August 14 in his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 396^th COVID-19 death is a 63-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on August 11 and died on August 12 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 397^th COVID-19 death is a 69-year-old woman in Washington County who became symptomatic on August 5, after close contact with a confirmed case, and died on August 17 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Update, August 18, 9:00 a.m. 
 
Central Oregon – Fire behavior was active through the evening hours and all fires grew overnight.  
 
Firefighters on the Green Ridge Fire, two miles northeast of Camp Sherman on the Deschutes National Forest remained busy overnight catching spot fires from material rolling on steep slopes from the fire area into the unburned area below.  Crews will continue constructing hand line on the flanks of the fire in heavy timber. Aerial resources will be available again today to assist firefighters in cooling hot spots. The Green Ridge Fire is now estimated to be 30 acres with no containment. 
 
The Lily Fire northeast of Lily Lake in the Charlton Roadless Area on the Deschutes National Forest (DNF) is estimated to be 19 acres with no containment. Smokejumpers and a hand crew from the Willamette National Forest are working the blaze were able to establish an anchor point to begin constructing containment line, but the fire continues to actively burn in the 1996 Charlton Fire scar, and into nearby heavy timber to the east. The heel of the fire is within 100 feet of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) on the DNF, and although there are no trail closures at this time, PCT hikers are encouraged to be aware of this fire and avoid the area if possible. Additionally, firefighters are using the Charlton Trailhead area as a staging area for equipment so the public is asked to please avoid the area for their safety and the safety of the firefighters working the area. 
 
In the early morning hours, two standing dead trees (snags) rolled out into the unburned area of thicker timber and created a 2-3 acre spot fire on the Frog Fire in the Maury Mountains on the Ochoco National Forest east of Prineville. Crews are now working to extend hose lays in direction of the spot, but water access remains a challenge. Firefighters will also continue constructing containment lines where possible to minimize fire spread. A crew from the Medford Bureau of Land Management will be arriving on scene to assist in suppression efforts. Steep terrain remains a challenge on the north side of the fire burning in thick timber.  
 
For up-to-date information on Central Oregon fires, visit www.centraloregonfire.org   

redmond, or -- The Redmond community has been invited to report any new challenges they have faced due to COVID-19. A survey given by the Redmond Spirit Foundation will help provide an opportunity for the public to comment and identify local programs that need their help the most. Foundation Director Jennifer Stephens says the foundation was created with the hopes to help nonprofits overcome funding challenges. She says the survey will be run at least through Labor Day and is dependent on the length of the pandemic. Anyone who lives, works, or involved with Redmond Oregon can fill out the survey on the Redmond Spirit Foundation

BEND, OR -- COCC has made some new changes to their curriculum to adapt to the new normal due to COVID-19. Director of E-Learning Christine Roshau says some instructors at COCC have used the pandemic as an opportunity to expand their teaching methods. She says a silver lining to all this is that it has given the teachers a chance to show how creative they can get. If you’re considering going back to college or just starting out, Roshau encourages you to enroll at COCC. They are accepting applications and registration for the fall term until the 13th of September. Classes start September 21.

BEND, OR -- County Commissioners discussed the Veterans Village concept at their Monday meeting. The President of Bend Heroes Foundation, Erik Tobiason told the board they hope to get Veterans Village open in Phase One towards the end of fall. Tobiason says the goal is all units with sheetrock, insulation, heaters, a toilet, and shower. He says if the county helps with the construction the donation would be 250-thousand dollars, maximum. Tobiason says that’s because Bend Heroes Foundation believes 50-per cent of the services to build will be covered by in-kind donations. Commissioners like the idea and will continue to explore ways to help Veterans Village move forward. 

SISTERS, OR -- A Springfield man died Sunday morning following a rollover wreck that injured two teenage passengers.  Oregon State Police say 57-year-old Liciano Ramirez-Guillen was eastbound on Highway 242 two-miles west of Sisters when his vehicle left the highway and rolled. Ramirez-Guillen died at the scene. Two passengers were taken to Saint Charles Bend. A 13-year-old was airlifted with serious injuries and a 15 year-old passenger was taken by ground ambulance for injuries.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County School District wanted to get K-3 students back in class September 8^th, but the county came up short on meeting state metrics. Jason Carr at the school district says the county’s infection rate of 21 per 100-thousand people is well within metrics of 30-per 100 thousand. He says the percentage of positive cases is supposed to be 5-per cent or less and Crook county is at 5-point-6-per cent. He says the metrics will be reviewed every two weeks to give parents a chance to plan ahead. He says if they meet metrics September 14^th, K-3 students will get back in class Monday, September 28^th. Carr says to get 4^th grade to 12^th grade students back in class, the metrics are stricter.

CAMP SHERM,AN, OR -- Sundays’ lightning ignited 39 new fires across the region.  This morning, firefighters have that down to 11 active fires. The largest is the Green Ridge fire; 2 miles northeast of Camp Sherman on the Deschutes National Forest. As of last night, the fire is 26 acres in size and 5-percent contained.  It’s burning in heavy timber with ground crews, dozers and a helicopter dropping retardant. The steep terrain continues to be a challenge.

BEND, OR -- Police have determined that the two people found dead at a house in northeast Bend Saturday night were the victims of a double homicide. They were identified as 29-year-old Natasha Newby and 34 year old Raymond  Atkinson Jr. Police discovered the bodies when they went to the home to perform a welfare check. While the exact cause of death was not released, police believe there is no threat to the public.

Oregon reports 192 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, no new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 388, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 192 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 23,451.

The new cases are in the following counties: Clackamas (12), Clatsop (1), Columbia (3), Crook (1), Deschutes (6), Douglas (2), Jackson (17), Jefferson (2), Josephine (1), Lane (4), Lincoln (2), Linn (5), Malheur (11), Marion (30), Multnomah (57), Polk (3), Umatilla (7), Wasco (1), Washington (23), and Yamhill (4).

OHA to report on PPE supply in hospitals

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 18, OHA will begin reporting on supplies and inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals and medical facilities across Oregon.

The information will be published as part of the hospital capacity report issued every week. Gathering and reporting this information will ensure there is sufficient supply of this critically important equipment.

Examples of PPE include:

• Respirators
• Surgical masks, gloves gowns
• Face shields

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.+

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From Oregon State Police

SISTERS, OR -- On Sunday, August 16, 2020 at approximately 11:27 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 242 near the intersection of Crossroads Rd approximately 2 miles West of Sisters. Preliminary investigation revealed a Chevrolet Pickup, operated by Liciano Ramirez-Guillen (57) of Springfield, was eastbound when it drove off the roadway and rolled. Liciano Ramirez-Guillen sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. There were two passengers, a 13 year old was transported by Life Flight to St Charles in Bend with serious injuries and a 15 year old was transported by ground ambulance to St Charles in Bend for injuries.

 OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Sisters Camp Sherman Fire Department and ODOT.   

BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners meets virtually at 1-this afternoon. There will be a continuation of a discussion about a proposal by the Bend Heroes Foundation to build housing for homeless veterans known as Veterans Village. Commissioners will also hear about Coronavirus Relief Funding Opportunities from County Administrator Tom Anderson. Also on the agenda will be a discussion of an Emergency Declaration to Assist Children during COVID-19.
 

BEND, OR -- A three-day virtual workshop focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion is being hosted by OSU-Cascades starting today. OSU business instructor Erika McAlpine will lead the workshop for business and community leaders. KBND asked McAlpine why is inclusion so important for businesses. She says everyone needs to feel they are a part of the organization and that their voices are heard. McAlpine says she held the first of workshop earlier this month and the feedback was good. The workshop starting today is full but McAlpine says she’ll lead more diversity, equity and inclusion workshops in the future.

CENTRAL OREGON -- The Oregon Cultural Trust has awarded grants to four cultural organizations in Central Oregon. Carrie Kikel is Communications Manager with the trust. She says the Friends of Santiam Pass Ski Lodge received almost 23-thousand dollars to restore and repair the lodge’s external shell. Kikel says the Tower Theater Foundation was awarded almost 16-thousand dollars for the “Local at the Tower” programs. She says other grants included more than 12-thousand dollars to the Deschutes Public Library Foundation for the “A Novel Idea” community read program. And the High Desert Museum foundation received more than 10-thousand dollars for a new exhibition called, “Dam It! Beavers and Us.” 

Saturday afternoon a quick moving fire prompted the evacuation of 3 mobile home parks on the north end of Bend. 

Central Oregon Daily reports the fire quickly grew, prompting mutual aid resources from neighboring fire departments, several strike teams, and air resources, Battalion Chief Trish Connolly said. The fire, fueled by dry conditions, scorching hot temperatures, and gusty winds, prompted a Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation notice for all residences north of Cooley Road and east of Highway 97 on Saturday afternoon. Black plumes of smoke could be seen for miles – and for hours as two dozen cars in the salvage yard burned long into the night. Two outbuildings were destroyed and the auto salvage yard has heavy fire damage, Connolly said. After investigation the cause of the fire was determined to be hot engine/exhaust of Class A motorhome in contact with grass and brush. A total of 39 acres burned. To see the Central Oregon Daily report go here..https://centraloregondaily.com/fire-north-of-bend-prompts-level-3-evacuation-notice/

BEND, OR -- Two people were found dead in a house on NE 12th Street near Pilot Butte Saturday night. Our news partner, Central Oregon Daily reports that at around 9:40 p.m., Bend Police were called for a welfare check. Lt. Jill McConkey said responders found two people dead at the scene when they arrived. McConkey said she cannot provide the names, ages, genders or any other information about the two people, as the investigation is ongoing. She could not comment on cause of death. McConkey said state police crime lab collected evidence throughout Saturday night and for much of Sunday. To see the Central Oregon Daily Report go here..https://centraloregondaily.com/2-people-found-dead-in-house-near-pilot-butte-police-conducting-investigation/

A 21-year-old Terrebonne man was killed in a car crash on Highway 97 Saturday, according to Oregon State Police. Central Oregon Daily reports at around 4:00 p.m., traffic was stopped on Highway 97 because of a hay  fire near Terrebonne. 54-year-old Donald Matney of Redmond was driving south and didn’t see the traffic was stopped, according to police. He crashed into a Chevy Cavalier driven by 19-year-old Emily Worthington from Terrebonne. The Chevy Cavalier was pushed into another vehicle and across the oncoming lane where it collided with a Jeep Cherokee and a BMW X2.A passenger of the Chevy, 21-year-old Gavin Hermosillo of Terrebonne, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger of the Chevy, a 12-year-old, was transported to St. Charles with serious injuries. Highway 97 reopened to traffic at around 9:30 p.m. To see the Central Oregion Daily report, go herehttps://centraloregondaily.com/21-year-old-terrebonne-man-killed-in-hwy-97-crash/

CROOK COUNTY, OR - Good news for some small schools in Crook county…they can reopen in September. This includes Brothers, Paulina and the alternative Pioneer School in Prineville. Jason Carr at the school district, says rural superintendents and community members argued against what they called, “one size fits all.” The state granted exemptions to schools with less than 250 students in any county with fewer than 30,000 population. Carr says Crook county schools will meet with public health officials Friday to determine if K-3 classes can also open next month.

BEND, OR -- The Chair of the Bend La Pine Schools Board wants the governor to improve guidelines to reopen schools.

Board Chair Carrie McPherson Douglass has identified several priorities for schools. She urges in person classes for vulnerable students and medical grade PPE’s for teachers.McPherson Douglas also wants the Oregon Department of Education to create online learning curriculum for all 197 school districts in the state.She says teachers are searching the internet or trying to create their own curriculum on the fly. McPherson Douglas also calls on employers to support working parents whose children can’t be in a classroom.

BEND, OR -- A La Pine couple is facing trespassing and assault charges following an incident Wednesday night on Century Drive. Police say 23 year old Dakota Pyatt and 19 year old Jessica Sunderman were walking their pit bull and trespassed on private property. When confronted by a woman property owner, Sunderman walked further onto the property and argued and attacked the woman. A second man on the property tried to intervene. Pyatt began arguing with him and released the pit bull who attacked the man. The man was armed and shot and killed the dog. Pyatt and Sunderman fled the scene with the dog in the truck. The couple was located by deputies and cited. The man property owner was determined to have used his weapon in self-defense. Police say alcohol was a factor in the incident.

Oregon reports 323 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 385, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 323 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 22,300.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (7), Benton (2), Clackamas (21), Clatsop (1), Coos (2), Deschutes (6), Hood River (8), Jackson (23), Jefferson (4), Josephine (6), Lane (4), Lincoln (3), Linn (9), Malheur (18), Marion (49), Morrow (10), Multnomah (52), Polk (13), Umatilla (37), Wasco (2), Washington (25), and Yamhill (21).

Oregon’s 384th COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old woman in Lane County who tested positive on July 25 and died August 12. Location of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 385th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on August 3 and died August 12 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Outbreak surpasses 20 cases

An outbreak of 22 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Columbia Basin Onion in Umatilla County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee.

The outbreak investigation started August 1, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure. State and county public health officials are working with the company to address the outbreak and protect the health of workers.

New face covering guidance issued

Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority have issued revised guidance requiring face coverings or face shields for employees in private office spaces, in addition to public office spaces. The guidance requires face coverings in public and private building hallways, bathrooms, elevators, lobbies, break rooms, and other common spaces, unless employees are at individual work spaces or in meeting rooms where 6 feet of distance from other people can be maintained.

The revised guidance also provides an exception for face coverings, allowing for the brief removal of face coverings in situations where someone’s identity needs to be confirmed for visual comparison, such as interactions in banks or with law enforcement.

# # #

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

From Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz

First and foremost, I know that the events that occurred yesterday in our community were traumatic, and I want everyone to know that I feel and I have heard the pain this has caused for many members in our community and especially to the families who had their loved ones taken away. 

I want to express my gratitude to the Bend community for providing an example to the rest of our communities and our nation of what a peaceful First Amendment event looks like.  The right to express yourself through peaceful expressions of free speech is a tantamount right of our United States and Oregon Constitutions. 

Last night’s event at the 500 block of SW Industrial Way was an example of our community organizing and managing an event that remained overall peaceful. We observed numerous examples of community members that could have changed the overall tone of the event. However, our own community members worked to keep the event peaceful. Thank you.

We also understand that some community members do not feel safe from federal authorities. There is a tension between our role in maintaining safety and the fact that federal authorities are allowed to operate in Bend. While we cannot prevent federal authorities from operating, we are focused on doing whatever we can to keep our community safe.

We know many people have unanswered questions about what happened yesterday. Responses specific to the Bend Police Department,  are detailed below.

The Bend Police Department received a notification to the dispatch center in the early morning hours of August 11, 2020, from a Department of Homeland Security agent that they were in an area of Bend conducting an investigation.  The details of this investigation were not specific to us, and there is no obligation or requirement that the federal investigators share this information with us.  It is common for federal agencies to notify local agencies when they are in the area conducting investigations, however there is not typically detailed information released regarding those investigations. 

Later in the day, we received a call for service of a suspicious circumstance of a vehicle parked in a neighborhood.  Bend Police responded. Upon contact, we determined that the vehicle was occupied by a federal investigator, at which point we left the scene.  The vehicle was not one of the buses in yesterday’s event. No other information was learned from this contact.

In the early morning hours of August 12, 2020, we received a notification to the dispatch center that federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security were in Bend conducting an investigation.  No additional details were provided to us, which is standard for federal investigators, as they have no obligation to notify or work with local departments.

On August 12, 2020, in the early afternoon at about 1:07 pm, the Bend Police Department received a call for service in the rear parking lot of a hotel at the 500 block of SW Industrial Way.  We learned federal agents were trying to move buses and were being blocked by 25-30 people, and that three federal agents were armed.  Based on this information, Bend Police Officers responded to the area.  Because of the unknown overall nature of this call, we sent resources from patrol and any other available officers.  At that time, Bend Police Department had several members actively participating in a training exercise for their assignment to the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) who responded to the scene as well.  The Bend Police Department had both uniform patrol officers and officers assigned to the CERT team on scene at this point. Some were dressed in normal uniforms and some were in their gear they were training in, the gear that was available to them.  These are what are community members identify as SWAT teams.

I arrived on scene very quickly with several other members of the Bend Police Department command staff. We quickly assessed the situation and learned that this was a first amendment event. Members of our community were blocking the path of two DHS transport buses that contained DHS agents, federal contractor employees and two people who were in their custody.  We learned that these were agents from the immigration office of DHS and that they had two detainees on board the buses.  We also learned the overall event appeared to be peaceful and that all of our resources on scene were not necessary.  We took quick action to pull our officers out of the area and just to maintain a visible presence to provide for life safety and community safety.  I also immediately found resources to replace the officers that arrived on scene from CERT training in green uniforms. 

I realize the visible presence of officers on scene of a peaceful event in this specialized gear – typically used for response to an active threat situation - caused a lot of fear and anxiety in our community. I am sorry to our community for increasing this anxiety.  I realized this immediately, and did pull these officers out of the area as soon as possible in an effort to deescalate any anxiety or fear that this may have caused.

Then, Wednesday afternoon, I began reaching out to multiple federal executives in an effort to get information about what specifically was occurring and the specifics of the people in custody on the bus.  I was told that the agents were assigned to the enforcement and operation unit in DHS and they had two people in custody for immigration warrants with underlying criminal charges.  I assessed the situation and did not find any reasons to believe we needed to act quickly for any life safety issues.  This gave us the ability to continue to set up our response and gather additional information.  Ultimately we learned that the two people being detained were in custody for an administrative detention and removal warrant. DHS refused to provide additional information of who the detained people were or if there were any additional criminal charges.  

Once this information was gathered,  I applied Oregon Revised Statute 181A.820, specifically section 1 to this event.

The state law reads, No law enforcement agency of the State of Oregon or of any political subdivision of the state shall use agency moneys, equipment or personnel for the purpose of detecting or apprehending persons whose only violation of law is that they are persons of foreign citizenship present in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws. 

When Bend became Welcoming City in 2017 we reaffirmed our alignment with state law and Bend Police Departmental policy reflects these same values. We do not assist federal authorities on matters that only involved immigration issues, and we did not assist federal authorities yesterday.

After evaluating the information available, I gave directions to maintain a small group of officers at the scene and to be visible, protect life safety issues and to provide a safe space for expression of speech.  The objectives I set for our members were to;

1.  Maintain uniform presence on scene for public safety/life safety response.
2. Allow for expression of free speech.
3. Maintain lines of communication between police department and any members of the community groups that wish to communicate.
4. Maintain a friendly and accessible demeanor.

I continued to have contact with DHS executives and I advised them that Bend PD was maintaining a presence for safety only, and that we would not assist them in any of their detention efforts, including removing persons in custody from their bus and moving them to another transport vehicle.  I spent the afternoon and night interacting with federal officials, Mayor Sally Russell, City Council members in Bend, City Manager Eric King, the City Attorney’s Office, partner agencies, and community members working to deescalate the event and come to a safe outcome for all community members.

Ultimately, the DHS made the decision that if we were unable to assist them, they would be required to dispatch one of their teams to remove their personnel, employees and person in custody off their buses.  I advised them that I would share this information and let our community know that the federal agents would be arriving to remove the people off the transport buses.  I advised federal officials that the people that who were present were peaceful, expressing their free speech.  I also told them that there were many families with children in the groups and this was an overall peaceful event with no aggressive activities currently.  I did acknowledge that at the very beginning of the event, a person was involved in attempting to flatten tires on one of the buses.  This action stopped quickly and that person left the area. 

I decided Bend Police would maintain our visual presence for overall life safety of all of our community and that if federal agents arrived we would not be assisting in their efforts of removal and detention.    

From this time on, until the federal agents arrived on scene, the Bend Police Department stayed on scene, at a distance, for safety to our community.

Myself, Mayor Russell, City Manager Eric King, District Attorney John Hummel and other City officials went directly to the event and I spoke with our community and thanked them for keeping this peaceful.  I offered information to our community that federal agents would be arriving on scene soon and that they would be removing people off of the buses.  I asked our community members and organizers to help keep the event peaceful.  These community members were essential partners.

Once the federal agents arrived on scene, Bend PD members, moved away further from the event to ensure we were not assisting or perceived to be involved in the federal actions.  I am aware that the federal agents removed the people off the buses.  I have had no communications with them since then regarding their actions, and I have no information as to what specifically they did to accomplish removing people off of the buses.  Once they removed people, the agents left and community members began to leave the area. 

Bend PD continued to monitor the event and the remained with an increased presence in the Old Mill area to ensure overall community safety.  Later in the evening, we were made aware that federal agents had returned and removed the buses that were in the parking lot.  The Bend Police Department did not assist in the removal of the buses and did not have any advance information that the buses would be removed.   

Today, I spent time with members of our community affected by this event and began to hear about their experience from yesterday. I will continue to build on the relationships with partners in our community. I stand with you, and share your interest in finding solutions.

Mike Krantz

Bend Police Chief

BEND OR -- More than  10 hours of tension and unrest ended when Federal Border Patrol Agents showed up in Bend. Earlier in the day a crowd of about 250 people surrounded two ICE buses where two men who have reportedly lived in Bend for over a decade were taken into custody. The crowd prevented the buses from leaving.  Tensions ebbed and flowed through the afternoon and evening. The crowd appeared to be ready to stay the night. According to Central Oregon Daily, Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz arrived around 10 o'clock to tell the crowd more federal agents were on the way. About an hour later, reinforcements arrived and stormed the buses, removing the occupants. They were greeted with drumming and shouting and apparently used peppper spray on protestors. The crowd started to disperse around 1130p.m..

Oregon reports 294 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 8 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed eight more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 383, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 294 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 22,300.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (5), Clackamas (14), Columbia (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (4), Hood River (2), Jackson (16), Jefferson (13), Josephine (2), Klamath (2), Lane (7), Lincoln (7), Linn (4), Malheur (12), Marion (35), Morrow (6), Multnomah (84), Polk (6), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (20), Union (2), Wasco (2), Washington (36), and Yamhill (9).

Oregon’s 376^th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old woman in Malheur County who tested positive on August 5 and died August 10 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 377^th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 16 and died on August 8, at Kaiser Westside Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 378^th COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old woman in Clackamas County who tested positive on August 2 and died on August 9. More information about presence of underlying conditions and location of death is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 379^th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on August 5 and died on August 11 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 380^th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old man in Deschutes County who tested positive on July 12 and died on August 9 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 381^st COVID-19 death is a 55-year-old man in Columbia County who tested positive on August 7 and died on August 9 at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 382^nd COVID-19 death is a 78-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on August 6 and died on August 7 at Providence Portland Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 383^rd COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 30 and died on August 9 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Stay Informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Oregon reports 258 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed seven more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 375, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 258 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 22,022.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (2), Benton (4), Clackamas (24), Columbia (2), Deschutes (1), Douglas (3), Harney (1), Hood River (4), Jackson (14), Jefferson (5), Josephine (4), Lane (10), Lincoln (2), Linn (7), Malheur (17), Marion (29), Morrow (2), Multnomah (45), Polk (4), Umatilla (30), Wallowa (1), Wasco (1), Washington (41), and Yamhill (5).

Oregon’s 369^th COVID-19 death is a 76-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on June 17 and died on August 10 at Good Shepherd Health System. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 370^th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on August 6 and died on August 8. Location of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 371^st COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on June 15 and died on August 9 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 372^nd COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 30 and died on August 11 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 373^rd COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on August 6 and died on August 10 at Kaiser Westside Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 374^th COVID-19 death is a 57-year-old woman in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 17 and died on August 9 at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 375^th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on June 6 and died on August 2 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

COVID-19 cases declined last week

Daily cases of COVID-19 declined slightly during the week of Monday, Aug. 3 through Sunday Aug. 9, according to the COVID-19 Weekly Report, released today. There were 2,122 new cases that week, a slight drop from the previous week’s tally of 2,278. Twenty-nine deaths were reported, a drop from 39 the previous week.

The percentage of positive tests also decreased to 5.4%, and hospitalizations have plateaued. The age group most affected by the virus remains 20-29, although the elderly remain the hardest hit age group. Persons 80 or older account for nearly half of all those hospitalized.

Most cases continue to be sporadic, meaning there is no known source, which is an indication the virus is widespread.

Outbreaks surpass 20 cases

An outbreak of 22 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Pan American Berry Growers in Marion County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee. 

The outbreak investigation started on July 30, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.

An outbreak of 29 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Good Shepherd Health Care System in Umatilla County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee. 

The outbreak investigation started on July 16, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure. State and county public health officials are working with these organizations to address the outbreaks and protect the health of workers.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Yesterday afternoon about 2 o'clock Crook County deputies were dispatched to a head-on crash on Houston Lake Road. 39-year-old Martel Moon of Bend was traveling east in a 1998 Nissan Sentra when he crossed the double yellow line on a sharp corner and collided with a westbound 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup driven by a couple from Redmond.  Moon was extricated from the Nissan and airlifted to St. Charles Bend. The extent of his injuries are unknown.

REDMOND, OR -- In the last year downtown Redmond saw the opening of 19 new businesses. These days it can be tough to find a parking spot during lunch hour, evening dining times and on weekends. The Redmond Renewal Agency will start demolishing the old City Hall and museum starting today to add parking around 7^th and Southwest Evergreen. Megan Gassner is an Urban Renewal Analyst and says they will add 44 new parking spots before the end of the year.

SISTERS, OR -- A man from Texas was reported missing on Monday after not responding to family phone calls for two weeks. 63-year-old Don Yates is a white man, 5-foot-7 weighing about 155-pounds with a well-trimmed beard. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Jason Janes says Yates is driving a 2013 Honda Pilot with Texas plates. He says Yates was believed to be camping north of Sisters but so far, a search has turned up nothing. Anyone with information asked to call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

LA PINE, OR -- Oily Rags may be to blame for a house fire in south Deschutes County on Monday afternoon. La Pine Rural Fire Protection District firefighters responded to find a fire burning on the outside of a home, spreading inside. La Pine Fire Chief Mike Supkis says the owners had recently been painting and staining. He says they had been careful to dry most of the rags, but appears some oily material made it in the trash, which spontaneously combusted. Everyone escaped and the fire was contained quickly.  Supkis says to soak oily rags in water and seal them in a metal can before disposing.

BEND, OR -- Bend’s new Police Chief, Mike Krantz, is now on the job. His selection generated questions and criticism because he comes from the Portland Police Bureau. Deschutes county D-A John Hummel challenged the appointment pointing to the use of tear gas and non-lethal munitions against Portland protesters. Krantz says he has never met Hummel although they spoke by phone a couple weeks ago. He says they agreed to work together to help the community. Krantz also says he faces internal and external challenges. He says he needs to get to know his department and the community and at the same time form working relationships.

Oregon reports 302 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 11 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed 11 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 368, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 302 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 21,774.

The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (3), Clackamas (23), Clatsop (4), Columbia (5), Crook (1), Curry (2), Deschutes (5), Douglas (5), Hood River (8), Jackson (12), Jefferson (6), Josephine (9), Klamath (3), Lane (6), Lincoln (2), Linn (12), Malheur (19), Marion (42), Morrow (6), Multnomah (60), Polk (5), Umatilla (16), Union (1), Wasco (2), Washington (41), and Yamhill (4).

Note: OHA receives death certificate information from the Office of Vital Statistics. Epidemiologists review death certificate information for Oregonians that have COVID-19 listed as a main cause of death or a contributing cause of death. When a death is reported to a county, the county may not always have the cause of death, and this death would not be counted as a COVID-19 related death. During data reconciliation by OHA, additional COVID-19 related deaths may be found and reported. The deaths reported today include eight deaths that were identified during this review process.  

Oregon’s 358^th COVID-19 death is a 59-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on May 22 and died on August 7 at OHSU. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 359^th COVID-19 death is a 105-year-old woman in Clackamas County who died on July 5, in her residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease, or SARS-CoV-2, as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death.

Oregon’s 360^th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 23 and died on August 8 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 361^st COVID-19 death is a 78-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on May 7 and died on July 27 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 362^nd COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old woman in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 23 and died on August 5 in her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 363^rd COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on August 3 and died on August 8 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 364^th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Linn County who tested positive on April 7 and died on June 10 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 365^th COVID-19 death is a 66-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on May 31 and died on June 14 at Kaiser Westside Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 366^th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on June 16 and died on June 30 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 367^th COVID-19 death is a 78-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on June 27 and died on July 7 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had no reported underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 368^th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on April 8 and died on July 12 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Outbreak surpasses 20 cases

An outbreak of 25 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Smith Foods in Umatilla County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee. 

The outbreak investigation started on July 24, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure. State and county public health officials are working with the company to address the outbreak and protect the health of the workers.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

BEND, OR -- A Bend Pediatrician has written a letter to the governor about the effort to reopen schools. Doctor Rebecca Hicks wrote the letter that was signed by 150 other doctors. She says they agree with the metrics for reopening schools which requires low community transmission rates of COVID-19.  Hicks says they have called for more testing…. more contract tracing and…an aggressive public outreach campaign.  The letter calls for short term closures of two weeks or so, of indoor bars, restaurants, gyms and social gatherings to slow transmission rates. Hicks says people in their 20’s are spreading the virus but scaring them won’t work. She says young people need to know we cannot beat the virus without them

CENTRAL OREGON -- United Way of Central Oregon has handed out grants to 26 nonprofits in the area. Director of Marketing Diana Fischetti says they initially formed two different funds. The first was the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund that gave a total of 135-thousand dollars to 29 non-profits. Fischetti says the new round of COVID-19 grants is called the Recovery and Resiliency Fund which has 160-thousand dollars to be distributed to 26 non-profits.  Fischetti says the funds support local agencies as they adapt to COVID-19 challenges.

BEND, OR -- A Bend man was arrested Friday evening on Highway 97 near Grandview Drive on drug charges. Lieutenant Ken Mannix with CODE, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement, says they developed information that 59-year-old Jimmie Ginn  was involved in dealing large amounts of methamphetamine. Mannix says they found 1-point-2-pounds of meth hidden in Ginn’s car and hidden in the engine compartment. Ginn is jailed on charges of possession, manufacture and delivery of methamphetamine.

BEND, OR -- Bend’s new Police Chief, Mike Krantz was on-the-job starting yesterday. Krantz spent many years with the Portland Police Bureau…a hiring that didn’t sit well with the Deschutes County D.A. John Hummel. He says the selection of Krantz comes at a time when thousands of people are protesting and demanding social justice in Central Oregon. Hummel says during the job interview with Krantz, Portland Police were tear gassing protestors and that sends a wrong message. Hummel says he called Krantz about 10 days ago and the two had a good and frank discussion. Hummel says they both agreed they can disagree with each other, but they can also, in fact, work together. 

Oregon reports 227 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 357, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 227 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 21,488. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (2), Clackamas (10), Columbia (1), Crook (2), Deschutes (7), Hood River (2), Jackson (8), Jefferson (11), Lane (5), Lincoln (2), Linn (3), Malheur (21), Marion (27), Morrow (15), Multnomah (45), Polk (6), Umatilla (15), Washington (37), and Yamhill (8).

Oregon’s 357th COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 29 and died on August 5 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

CENTRAL OREGON -- A 68-year-old man from Washougal, Washington drowned in the Deschutes River last Thursday after the raft he was in flipped.  The Oregonian reports Michael Marquand was on the second day of a trip with his wife, grandson and a family friend, when their raft hit a rock and flipped near Boxcar Rapids. It took almost a half hour to right the raft and when they did Marquand was floating away. The family pursued him but by the time they got to him he had drowned. Wasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Williams, says Marquand…who had forty years of rafting experience…was wearing a life jacket but it may not have been properly fastened.  

BEND, OR -- Hill Street and Greenwood Avenue was the scene of a Motorcycle vs Car crash Saturday evening. A 60-year-old Portland resident driving a Camaro north on Hill Street pulled in front of a Ducati motorcycle driven by a 52-year-old Bend resident. To avoid a collision the motorcyclist laid the motorcycle down on the road. They were taken to St. Charles for treatment. The driver of the Camaro was cited. No names have been released in the incident.

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK -- Seven visitors to Crater Lake National Park were cited Friday afternoon after they illegally entered the caldera. Park officials received multiple reports of people in the caldera between Rim Village and Discovery Point. Park rescue staff rappelled over the edge to try to spot the people. Jackson county sent a Search & Rescue team. Crater Lake research staff was called in and got ready to launch a boat in the event people needed to be rescued.  The seven people in the caldera were spotted below Rim Village and were able to climb out of the caldera on their own. Park officials say the only legal and safe way to access the shore of Crater Lake is by walking down the Cleetwood Trail.

BEND, OR -- The Republican candidate running in the 2^nd Congressional District to succeed Greg Walden was in Bend last week. Former State Senator Cliff Bentz says his campaign just got back on the road again. He says voters ask him about everything from Black Lives Matter to housing and water issues as well as COVID-19 and the economy. He says getting kids back in the classroom is critical because parents need to work and many can’t do that if the kids are not in school. Bentz says it’s also critical to get people back to work because we don’t have trillions and trillions of dollars to spend while we search for a vaccine for COVID-19 or some other solution.

BEND, OR -- Saturday afternoon, a little past 5 o'clock, Bend police were called to the M&J Tavern downtown to report a stabbing. The bartender said a 35-year-old Bend man came into the bar an hour earlier saying he had been stabbed by a man outside. According to police both men had been in the bar earlier but had no interactions. Police later established when the victim stepped outside, he found the suspect slashing his car tires. When he yelled at him, the man charged him, cutting his upper left arm. The suspect then fled. Police put out a description of the suspects' vehicle. Sunday morning an employee at the Bend Factory Stores called police to report the vehicle was parked nearby.  Police arrived and took 42-year-old Brian Blanton into custody for the stabbing. Name of the victim has not been released, although police say he has known Blanton for many years.

Visitors Illegally Enter the Caldera at Crater Lake National Park 

CRATER LAKE, OREGON – On the afternoon of Friday, August 7^th, park staff received a report of multiple visitors in the caldera somewhere between Rim Village and Discovery Point.  Law enforcement staff responded quickly to attempt to locate them.   

Park rescue staff rappelled over the edge of the caldera to look for the individuals and provide technical rescue assistance if needed.  Jackson County Search and Rescue was deployed and on their way to the park.  Lake research staff was called in and headed to the lake to launch one of the park boats for a possible rescue from the lake shore.   

The individuals were eventually spotted near the shoreline below Rim Village.  Reports indicated that there were six people involved.  Eventually a total of seven visitors climbed out of the caldera on their own and were cited for illegal entry and creating a hazardous condition.  Fortunately, no one was injured in the process. 

The Cleetwood Trail is the only safe and legal way to access the shore of Crater Lake.  Climbing in the caldera at any other location is strictly prohibited.  The slopes are very unstable, and through the years, visitors have been seriously injured or even killed by illegally entering the caldera.  The necessary major rescue efforts that result put park staff at risk.  When visiting the park, please always stay behind the rock walls and never enter the caldera except on the Cleetwood Trail.   

The National Park Service conducts thousands of search and rescues servicewide each year, many of which could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. During the ongoing health crisis, it’s critical that everyone make wise choices to keep our national park rangers and first responders out of harm’s way. We ask that all visitors please Recreate Responsibly to safely spend time outside.   

-NPS- 

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed seven more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 355, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 376 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 21,010.

The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (5), Clackamas (23), Clatsop (1), Columbia (3), Coos (1), Crook (4), Curry (1), Deschutes (15), Douglas (2), Hood River (3), Jackson (12), Jefferson (9), Josephine (1), Lane (14), Lincoln (2), Linn (6), Malheur (14), Marion (47), Morrow (6), Multnomah (87), Polk (5), Sherman (2), Umatilla (27), Wasco (8), Washington (56), Yamhill (22).

Oregon’s 349th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on July 21 and died on August 5, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 350th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on June 17 and died on July 19, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 351st COVID-19 death is a 47-year-old man in Umatilla County who died on July 14 in his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2, as a cause of death or as a significant condition that contributed to his death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 352nd COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on June 8 and died on July 28, at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 353rd COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old man in Deschutes County who tested positive on July 23 and died on August 7. Additional details of his death are still being confirmed.

Oregon’s 354th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on August 6 and died on August 7. Additional details of his death are still being confirmed.

Oregon’s 355th COVID-19 death is a 41-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on August 4 and died on August 5. Additional details of his death are still being confirmed.

There is additional information on Oregon’s 342nd COVID-19 death. He is an 80-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on July 15 and died on August 6, at Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford. He had underlying conditions

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Oregon reports 423 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 9 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed nine more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 348, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 423 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 20,636. The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (3), Clackamas (16), Clatsop (1), Columbia (2), Deschutes (18), Douglas (3), Grant (1), Hood River (3), Jackson (12), Jefferson (5), Josephine (3), Klamath (1), Lane (13), Lincoln (1), Linn (6), Malheur (21), Marion (47), Morrow (21), Multnomah (110), Polk (7), Umatilla (53), Union (2), Wasco (3), Washington (53), and Yamhill (17).

Oregon’s 340^th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 30 and died on August 5. His place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 341^st COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old woman in Deschutes County who tested positive on July 20 and died on July 31. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 342^nd COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on July 15 and died on August 6. His place of death is unavailable at this time. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 343^rd COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Jefferson County who tested positive on July 10 and died on August 5, at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 344^th COVID-19 death is a 64-year-old man in Klamath County who tested positive on July 27 and died on August 6, at Sky Lakes Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 345^th COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on July 28 and died on August 2 in his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 346^th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on July 8 and died on August 5 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 347^th COVID-19 death is 94-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 16 and died on August 4 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 348^th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Yamhill County who tested positive on July 28 and died on August 6. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

New modeling report shows slowing spread of COVID 19 in Oregon

Today OHA released new modeling about the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon.

The model includes three future scenarios: one in which transmission continues at the current rate, one in which transmission decreases by 10 percent and one in which transmission increases by 10 percent.

The model projects that:

• If transmission continues at the current level during the next month, the estimated number of new daily infections will remain steady over the next four weeks at approximately 1,000 per day, and the number of daily new severe cases will increase slightly from 17 to 19.
• If transmission decreases by 10 percent and continues at that level during the next month, the model projects approximately 300 new infections per day and 9 new severe cases per day by Aug. 27.
• If transmission increases by 10 percent and continues at that level during the next month, the model projects approximately 2,300 new infections per day and 32 new severe cases per day by Aug. 27.

The results suggest that transmission increased substantially during May, then decreased somewhat in late June and early July. The model estimates the Re is currently about 1.0.

Despite the apparent leveling of transmission, the virus continues to spread in Oregon and continues to cause loss of life. OHA urges Oregonians to continue to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing, avoid large gatherings, and wash hands frequently.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

BEND, OR -- The Bend City Council has approved new regulations for short term rentals and lodging properties. Mayor Sally Russell says a lot of hoteliers and short term rentals have already taken these steps. Among the regulations… A 24 wait between bookings if a guest has known or suspected COVID-19. Pre check-in communications with the guest about COVID-19 health guidelines. The guest must adhere to state health authority mask and distancing guidelines and limit group sizes. And requires rigorous sanitation protections for housekeeping staff.  The regulations enforceable through the police or the Code Enforcement process.

DESCHUTES COUNTY -- Deschutes county voters will be asked in November if they want to continue or end, a moratorium on marijuana producers, processors and processing sites in unincorporated areas. Commissioner Phil Henderson says in 2016 commissioners allowed the various marijuana businesses but then moratorium was put in place in October 2019 as part of the state Opt-Out law. Henderson says he doesn’t know if they’ll get a surge of marijuana business applications if the moratorium is lifted but says he’s happy voters will have a say on this matter.

CENTRAL OREGON  -- 13 Search and Rescue Volunteers and two Deschutes County Deputies and 2 off-duty nurses who happened to be on scene assisted in the rescue of an injured mountain biker yesterday.  About 11 a.m. a call was placed to 9-1-1 for help for 40-year-old Corina Davis of Seattle.  She had been on the Tiddlywinks Trail west of Bend. Davis was carried by wheeled litter, then transferred to a Sheriff's Office 4-wheel drive pickup and driven to a waiting ambulance and taken to St. Charles. The rescue took over 2 and a half hours.

BEND, OR -- The Bend City Council put off until their next meeting, August 19th, to take a final vote on whether to put a 190-Million Dollar Transportation Bond on the November ballot. It was supposed to be voted on in May but was withdrawn due to COVID-19. Mayor Sally Russell says if the bond wins approval this year, the taxes won’t start being collected until 2022.  She says the cost of the bond the first year…if it passes…will average about 30-dollars per household.  The next city council meeting is August 19^th.

JEFFERSON COUNTY -- A 24-year-old Bend woman, Summer Collins, died late Wednesday night after a wreck in rural Jefferson county. Jefferson County Sheriff Jim Adkins told KBND Collins was driving a 1994 Jeep Wrangler. He says drugs and alcohol were not (NOT) a factor in the accident. Adkins says his deputy believes Collins may have drifted over the center line and when she yanked the wheel may have over corrected causing the Jeep to roll. The wreck occurred on Suttle Lake Road off Highway 20 outside Camp Sherman

COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 339, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 267 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 20,225. The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (1), Clackamas (22), Clatsop (1), Columbia (4), Coos (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (12), Douglas (5), Grant (1), Jackson (16), Jefferson (10), Josephine (2), Lane (12), Linn (3), Malheur (19), Marion (33), Morrow (1), Multnomah (45), Polk (4), Sherman (1), Umatilla (27), Wasco (6), Washington (30), and Yamhill (9).

Oregon’s 339th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 16 and died on August 1, at Good Shepherd Health Care Center. He had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

BEND, OR -- Just before 11-o’clock Tuesday night, Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a report of an outside fire at Harmon Park…known as Boat Park…on Northwest Harmon Boulevard. Crews arrived and found a fully involved play structure with surrounding wood chips on fire. Crews stopped the progress of the fire and extinguished hot spots. Fire did not spread to any of the other structures in the park. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Bend PD and Fire Department.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Health Services has been given approval to apply for a 5-thousand-dollar grant to buy seven devices called Grand Pads. Molly Darling at health services says many elderly patients have complex psychiatric and medical conditions and struggle with technology. She says the Grand Pads have a larger screen and a user-friendly application for older adults unfamiliar with technology. Darling says the device allows the elderly to connect to the doctor for assessments, physical therapy, crisis stabilization and coordinated care. She says the 7 devices are relatively cheap at a total cost of 17-hundred-50-dollars, but the cost of a year’s worth of connection is over 3-thousand-dollars.

BEND, OR -- The weekly COVID-19 briefing by public health to county commissioners yesterday included discussion about getting kids back in school. Health Director Doctor George Conway says there is a serious shortage of testing materials especially on-site rapid testing and delays of up to 10 days for results. Conway says access to testing is a real concern because in the fall we may see a second wave of virus and at the same time influenza overlapping with the virus. Conway told commissioners getting the contagion down is necessary to get schools reopened.

BEND, OR --Yesterday's lightning caused a small fire in grass and light brush off Bull Springs Road just west of Shevlin Park. Thanks to the fuels modification work on the property in the past, the fire stayed on the ground and was kept from burning into the trees and spreading any faster.  Crews will be patrolling the forest areas over the next several days looking for any potential smoldering fires caused by yesterday’s storm.

BEND, OR -- Bend Fire Department rescued stranded rafters off a rock on the Deschutes River, below Sunrise Village yesterday afternoon. Two juveniles got stranded on a rock in the river after one of them fell out of their raft and the other attempted to help. Bend Fire and Police crews were dispatched to both sides of the river to make access. A rope and raft system were put into place and fire fighters were able to safely remove them from the rock and deliver them back to their parents. The section of river they were in has rapids and is just upriver from waterfalls and the canal intake.

COVID-19 has claimed five more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 338, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 299 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 19,979. The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (2), Clackamas (20), Clatsop (1), Columbia (2), Coos (1), Deschutes (8), Douglas (1), Hood River (4), Jackson (12), Jefferson (9), Josephine (1), Klamath (2), Lane (5), Lincoln (19), Linn (8), Malheur (7), Marion (42), Morrow (10), Multnomah (59), Polk (2), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (26), Wasco (1), Washington (48), and Yamhill (6).

Oregon’s 334th COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old woman in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 8 and died in her residence. Date of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 335th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 17 and died on July 28 at Trios Health Southridge Hospital in Kennewick, Wash. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 336th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 12 and died on August 1 at Saint Anthony Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 337th COVID-19 death is a 67-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on July 20 and died on August 3 at Kaiser Westside Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 338th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Josephine County who tested positive on July 19 and died on August 3 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Note: More information is available about Oregon’s 233rd COVID-19 death. Oregon’s 233rd COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old woman who tested positive June 29 and died on July 9 at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Boise. She had underlying conditions.

OHA Releases Weekly Report

Today OHA released its COVID-19 Weekly Report, which stated that during the week of July 27 through Aug. 2, OHA recorded 2,278 new cases of COVID-19 infection — up slightly from last week’s tally of 2,241. In addition, 39 Oregonians were reported to have died, up from last week’s toll of 27. The percentage of tests positive increased from 5.1 percent to 6.4 percent, and hospitalizations rose to 141, up from the previous week’s 127. The age group with the highest incidence of reported infection continues to be 20-29-year-olds, with rates decreasing in subsequent decades of life. Most cases continue to be “sporadic,” meaning that no source for the case was identified.

Outbreaks surpass 20 cases

An outbreak of 27 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Walmart in Umatilla County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to a worker. The outbreak investigation started on July 9, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.

An outbreak of 20 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at the OR1 Construction site in Multnomah County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to a worker. The outbreak investigation started on July 8, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.

An outbreak of COVID-19 has been reported at the Lamb Weston facilities in Boardman. The Lamb Weston West location has 21 cases, the Lamb Weston East location has 31 cases and the Lamb Weston Packing Center has 22 cases. These case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to a worker. The outbreak investigation started on July 1, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.

State and county public health officials are working with these organizations to address the outbreaks and protect the health of workers.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes county is offering grant money to communities to pay for wildfire reduction projects. County Forester Ed Keith explains individual property owners not eligible for the grants because they’re looking for neighborhood or community scale projects. Keith says they have 20-thousand dollars for the program with the maximum grant being about 2-thousand dollars. Go to the Deschutes county webpage for more information about the Fuel Reduction Grant Program.
Applications due no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday September 30th. 

BEND, OR -- A Bend man who was working at the new Caldera High School construction site died in a fall yesterday morning. Bend Police Lieutenant Juli McConkey says 37-year-old James Bickers worked for River Roofing of Redmond and fell just before 7-yesterday morning. She says the incident is under investigation involving Bend Police, the Deschutes County Medical Examiner, the District Attorney and OSHA.

COVID-19 has claimed five more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 333, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 342 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 19,699. The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (2), Benton (3), Clackamas (21), Clatsop (1), Columbia (5), Coos (3), Crook (1), Deschutes (8), Douglas (5), Harney (2), Hood River (5), Jackson (17), Jefferson (13), Josephine (1), Klamath (2), Lane (12), Linn (1), Malheur (33), Marion (23), Morrow (11), Multnomah (57), Polk (4), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (61), Union (4), Wasco (1), Washington (29), and Yamhill (15).

Oregon’s 329^th COVID-19 death is an 89-year-old woman in Malheur County who tested positive on July 19 and died on July 27 at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 330^th COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old woman in Yamhill County who tested positive on July 30 and died on August 1 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 331^st COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 7 and died on July 28 at Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 332^nd COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old man in Morrow County who tested positive on July 27 and died on August 2 at Good Shepherd Health Care System. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 333^rd COVID-19 death is a 96-year-old woman in Malheur County who tested positive on July 27 and died on August 2 at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

BEND, OR -- Commercial real estate has some bright spots in Central Oregon in the COVID-19 economy. Pat Kesgard of Compass Commercial real estate says businesses in urban areas like, Portland, Seattle and L.A. are moving here to avoid stringent pandemic restrictions, and, in some cases, issues related to the demonstrations. Kesgard says they’re having a hard time keeping up with the demand. Multi-family housing is also a big draw for investors. He says, however, restaurant and retail properties are still a question mark. He says most businesses are managing rent payments, which is good sign.

BEND, OR -- Two Bend Fire & Rescue (BF&R) first responders have recently tested positive for COVID-19. Both firefighters are in stable condition with minimal signs or symptoms and are currently in quarantine at their residences. One of the first responders was exposed on duty and was immediately given a COVID-19 test at a clinic and sent home for self-isolation. The other first responder was exposed on vacation, took a test as soon as symptoms arose, and did not return to work.

REDMOND, OR  -- Deschutes County Commissioners have approved the sale of 7-point-5-million dollars of revenue bonds by Housing Works. The bond money will be used for a new 47-unit, multi-family apartment complex in Redmond called Midtown Place. The Executive Director of Housing Works, David Brandt says rents range from the high seven hundreds for a one-bedroom to 13-hundred for a 3 bedroom. He says Housing Works bought the land from urban renewal for 650-thousand dollars. Brandt says they received a 450-thousand-dollar Community Development Block Grant from the city of Redmond and then used Housing Works reserves for the 200-thousand dollar balance. Construction will start this fall and finish in about a year.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook county has had a low virus rate count but that has changed…noticeably…in the last two weeks. Information Officer Vicky Ryan says the jump in virus cases is due to workplace environments and social gatherings, meaning community spread. She says it is still important to wear a mask, social distance and wash hands. Ryan says St Charles Prineville has had four caregivers test positive but there is no threat to the community. She says the four have been isolated and all their contacts have been monitored every day and the hospital is safe. Ryan says anyone with questions about the virus is urged to contact Crook County Health Department.

CENTRAL OREGON --  Human remains were found yesterday off China Hat Road south of Bend. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Lieutenant William Bailey says a person walking their dog made the discovery. He says an autopsy is planned to determine identity and the cause of death. Bailey says detectives are checking missing person files. Bailey says he won’t speculate as to how long the body had been there, but says the clothing the man was wearing was consistent with much cooler temperatures.

(San Diego, CA)  --  Two Oregon men are among nine military members killed when an amphibious assault vehicle sank off the San Diego County coast in California last week.  The U.S. Marine Corps released a statement last night identifying the soldiers killed in the accident Thursday.  Lance Corporal Chase D. Sweetwood of Portland and Private First Class Jack Ryan Ostrovsky of Bend were both killed in the incident.  They were both riflemen with Bravo Company, BLT 1-4.  The AAV sank as it was leaving San Clemente Island.

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 328, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 272 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 19,366.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (2), Clackamas (21), Clatsop (2), Coos (1), Deschutes (3), Douglas (2), Jackson (9), Jefferson (1), Josephine (2), Klamath (2), Lane (5), Lincoln (4), Linn (6), Malheur (3), Marion (27), Morrow (1), Multnomah (49), Polk (7), Sherman (1), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (64), Wasco (9), Washington (19), and Yamhill (27).

Oregon’s 327^th COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on July 6 and died on August 1. His place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 328^th COVID-19 death is a 50-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 20 and died on July 29, at Providence Portland Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

BEND, OR -- The Land Conservation and Development Commission met recently and adopted new rules to allow duplexes on single family lots. Nick Lelack with Deschutes County Community Development was recently appointed to the commission. He says the rules apply to medium sized cities between 10-thousand and 25-thousand residents. Lelack says the commission is fulfilling the requirements of legislation passed last year in House bill 2001, which seeks to support more housing options for Oregonians. The bill also requires larger cities to allow for triplex, quadplex and other multi-family units to inhabit single family lots. Those rules will be addressed this fall.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners meet at 1-this afternoon. On the agenda is consideration to set a hearing for the Crooked River Ranch Special Road District Annexation. The board will also consider a request  to sign an order to approve the issuance of 7-point-5-million dollars of revenue bonds by the Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority. The bonds would finance a 47 unit multi-family apartment project in Redmond.. Also today, county commissioners will also discuss a Marijuana Opt-Out Measure on the ballot this year.  

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County Schools has announced only students in Kindergarten through 3 grades will be in the classroom September 8^th…all other classes will be on-line. School District spokesman Jason Carr says to get all students back in the classroom Crook county has to meet new state metrics. He says they require 10 or fewer virus cases per 100-thousand people…and…an active virus case rate of less than 5-per cent of the population for three weeks. Carr says not having students in the classroom will be a challenge for working parents. He says the school district is retooling distance learning options based on parent feedback.  

BEND, OR -- A 25-thousand-dollar interest-free loan was given to a Bend business, The Haven, on Friday. City Councilor Chris Piper says the loan has a unique feature. As the loan is paid back the payment goes into a fund to make more loans to other small businesses.  The Bend Small Business Relief Fund is a partnership with the Foundation for Affordable Housing and the Change Reaction. Piper says loans are available to businesses with less than 15 employees…annual income of less than 1-million dollars with loans ranging from 5-thousand to 25-thousand dollars.

REDMOND, OR -- Early Saturday afternoon, two Madras residents were killed in a collision on Highway 97 at the O'Neil Highway.  Oregon State Police report a 2004 Honda Odyssey was entering Highway 97 when it was struck by a tractor-trailer rig. 53-year-old Robert Gregg and his 46-year-old passenger, Antonia Romero, were both killed.  The truck driver was not injured. The highway was partially closed for several hours.

Oregon reports 330 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 325, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 330 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 18,817.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (2), Benton (3), Clackamas (16), Clatsop (5), Columbia (5), Crook (1), Deschutes (12), Douglas (3), Jackson (18), Jefferson  (4), Josephine (5), Klamath (1), Lane (12), Linn (6), Malheur (17), Marion (40), Morrow (8), Multnomah (69), Polk (4), Sherman (4), Umatilla (33), Wasco (4), Washington (43), and Yamhill (15).

Oregon’s 323^rd COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on July 14 and died on July 31, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 324^th COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old woman in Yamhill County who tested positive on July 26 and died on July 30, at Willamette Valley Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 325^th COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old woman in Deschutes County who tested positive on July 12 and died on July 28. Her place of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

¹This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

²For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

³This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.  

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Crater Lake National Park Implements Fire Restrictions 

CRATER LAKE, OREGON – With the increased fire danger in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake National Park will go into stage one fire restrictions. The outlook is for above normal significant wildland fire potential for the next several months.  

To ensure public safety and to provide the highest degree of protection to park resources, the following restrictions were implemented effective at 12:01AM on Friday, July 31, 2020:   

Campfires 

• Wood fires and charcoal fires are permitted only within established grills or fire rings, or portable self-contained grills, in the following designated areas: 
  • Mazama Campground 
  • Park residential areas 
• Gasoline and propane camp stoves and gas grills are permitted in campgrounds, picnic areas, backcountry areas, and residential areas. 

Smoking 

• Smoking is permitted only in the following areas: 
  • In vehicles, provided that an ashtray is used for ashes and butts. 
  • While stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or free of all flammable materials. Ashes and butts must be disposed of safely and may not be discarded on the ground. 

Fireworks 

• Fireworks are prohibited in the park at all times. 

These restrictions are implemented pursuant to the authority described in 36 Code of Federal Regulations 2.13(c), 2.21(a) and 2.38 (b). Our goal is voluntary compliance; however, persons who fail to comply with these restrictions may be cited or arrested. Thank you for your 

cooperation. 

-NPS-